title: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders: a historical review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The central nervous system represents a major target of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the neurocognitive impairments associated with the disease represent a major cause of disability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders are presented from a historical point of view. The evolution of our knowledge and understanding of these primary complications of HIV infection is reviewed, starting with nomenclature and clinical staging and continuing with therapeutic options.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although considerable progress has been made in the research of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, they continue to represent a clinical challenge for neurologists. Because the evolution and the clinical manifestations of HIV infection have changed with the introduction of antiretroviral therapy and the life expectancy has increased, the problems in these patients are complex and need neurologists with a thorough knowledge in HIV infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Victor Babes, Timisoara, Romania. roscacecilia@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Elena Cecilia
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Rosca
authors.forename: Ovidiu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Rosca
authors.forename: Mihaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Simu
authors.forename: Ruxanda Dana
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Chirileanu
mesh_terms: D015526:AIDS Dementia Complex / Q000266:history*; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000266:history; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000266:history; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000266:history*; D006678:HIV / Q000472:pathogenicity; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents