HIV and Brain Disease

Local Research Suggests 1 in 4 People Living with HIV Experience Brain Disease
New research indicates that one in four people living with HIV experience neurological diseases, a much higher rate than the general population. Furthermore, those living with HIV who do experience neurological disease face an increased risk of AIDS-related mortality.

Where does the research come from?
Conducted between 1998 and 2008, the study involved 1,651 participants undergoing active HIV treatment at Southern Alberta HIV Clinic (SAC). SAC provides medical services for all patients living with HIV in southern Alberta. The study team was lead by Dr. Chris Power, a professor of neurology at the University of Calgary and Dr. John Gill, Medical Director at SAC. Research findings were published in the Sept. 28 issue of the international journal Neurology.

What does the research tell us about HIV-related brain disease?
404 study participants experienced various neurological problems including: seizures, dementia, memory loss, movement disorders, nerve pain, headaches/migraines, and opportunistic infections of the central nervous system. According to the research, an AIDS diagnosis increases the prevalence of brain disorders twofold for people living with HIV.

Because HIV itself (as opposed to side effects of anti-HIV treatment) can cause significant neurocognitive disorders, the study suggests that current HIV treatment does not effectively reach or attack virus inside the brain.

The research confirms what has been observed clinically and anecdotally since the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980’s. Neurological problems can be a significant source of disability for people living with HIV and can considerably impact quality of life.

How will the research inform future research and ongoing care?
According to Dr. Power, neurological and cognitive problems experienced by people living with HIV are often ignored. Focus on the prevention or treatment of pneumonias or other infections means HIV-related brain disorders may be overlooked. The new research can inform current care and future treatment options. "The blood-brain barrier means that a much smaller dose of HIV drugs is getting into the brain...that motivates us to look closely at which drugs are working well, design optimal drug combinations to reduce brain diseases and to explore in the lab new drugs that we can use to protect the brain" says Power. The study identifies a need to develop new treatments that can be used in high concentration to attack HIV without damaging the brain.

In the words of one study participant, “It gives me hope...they are doing the best they can”.

For more on this study:
Neurologic disease burden in treated HIV/AIDS predicts survival – Neurology
Calgary study finds 1 in 4 with HIV have brain disorders – The Calgary Herald
10-year study finds HIV frequently causes brain disease –Alberta Innovates Health Solutions