title: Brain dysfunction in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy: implications for the treatment of the aging population of HIV-infected individuals.
abstract: Improvements in the treatment of HIV infection and in the advancement of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) have led to an increase in the number of individuals with HIV who are surviving to an older age. Preventing the development of neurocognitive abnormalities has become an increasingly important issue in this aging patient population, which is already at risk for cognitive impairment as a result of the neuropathological effects of HIV. cART has been critical in reducing the overall severity of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), but numerous challenges remain, as the prevalence of HAND continues to be high. There are several key areas in which treatment could be improved to reduce the incidence and severity of HAND. The use of well-tolerated cART medications that are able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier hold particular promise, as these agents may enable increased viral suppression in the parenchyma and may reduce neurocognitive dysfunction. In addition, the improved treatment of comorbid medical conditions that are common in patient populations with HIV (eg, HCV, liver failure and metabolic syndrome) is critical, as several of these conditions are known to have a significant effect on neural functions. Various research approaches indicate that the development of agents that control free radicals, neurotoxicity, proinflammatory processes and apoptosis may also have substantial potential in this field.
authors: Brown University, Department of Community Health, Box G-S121-2, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA. Uraina_Clark@Brown.edu
authors: Uraina S
authors: US
authors: Clark
authors: Ronald A
authors: RA
authors: Cohen
mesh_terms: D015526:AIDS Dementia Complex / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000375:Aging; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D015897:Comorbidity; D015195:Drug Design; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000502:physiology; D016174:Hepacivirus; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents