Cognition is defined as a group of higher order brain functions which includes language, emotion, memory, and consciousness. (Purves, 2012) Aside from leading to severe immunodeficiency (AIDS), the HIV-1 lentivirus can also lead to a spectrum of emotional and behavioral disturbances collectively known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). While antiretroviral therapy, such as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), has managed to increase the life expectancy of infected individuals, whether it helps ameliorate the cognitive impairment that some develop is still a matter of debate. (Hammer et al., 1997; Robertson et al., 2007) People with HAND thus suffer mental and emotional distress due to having to deal with their illness
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(“What Is HAART for HIV?,” 2014) Some argue that as infected individuals are able to live longer, the increasing exposure to the HIV virus and its neurotoxic properties may lead to prevalence of HAND among that population. (Robertson et al., 2007) Since the availability of HAART, minor cognitive motor disorder (MCMD), has become more common than ADC, and some researchers suggest that HAART may be able to control neurodegeneration (Ferrando et al., 1998; “HIV Encephalopathy and AIDS Dementia Complex,” 2015; McCutchan et al., 2007) However, the general consensus seems to be that is does not. Several studies have shown that neuroinflammation and neural impairment continues to develop even after patients start receiving HAART. (Anthony, Ramage, Carnie, Simmonds, & Bell, 2005; Gray, Chrétien, Vallat-Decouvelaere, & Scaravilli, 2003; Robertson et al., 2007) Evidence indicates that HAART’s apparent success in decreasing or controlling cognitive disorders may be mainly due to its ability to reduce the incidence of opportunistic infections. (Maschke et al., 2000) Another researcher suggests that an improvement in cognitive tests during HAART may simply reflect that patients learn to perform better. (Grant et al., …show more content…
Although advances have been made towards understanding the mechanisms that underlie neurodegeneration, much remains unknown about them and about possible methods to treat this debilitating problem. More studies will be needed in order to determine the ability of tools such as HAART to treat this aspect of HIV-1 infection. Because many studies about the effectiveness of stress managing techniques have not taken into consideration their effect on patients also suffering from HAND, it is suggested that this matter be investigated further. So far, they seem like a promising alternative for those patients seeking to improve their impaired cognitive function associated to and arising from HIV
(“What Is HAART for HIV?,” 2014) Some argue that as infected individuals are able to live longer, the increasing exposure to the HIV virus and its neurotoxic properties may lead to prevalence of HAND among that population. (Robertson et al., 2007) Since the availability of HAART, minor cognitive motor disorder (MCMD), has become more common than ADC, and some researchers suggest that HAART may be able to control neurodegeneration (Ferrando et al., 1998; “HIV Encephalopathy and AIDS Dementia Complex,” 2015; McCutchan et al., 2007) However, the general consensus seems to be that is does not. Several studies have shown that neuroinflammation and neural impairment continues to develop even after patients start receiving HAART. (Anthony, Ramage, Carnie, Simmonds, & Bell, 2005; Gray, Chrétien, Vallat-Decouvelaere, & Scaravilli, 2003; Robertson et al., 2007) Evidence indicates that HAART’s apparent success in decreasing or controlling cognitive disorders may be mainly due to its ability to reduce the incidence of opportunistic infections. (Maschke et al., 2000) Another researcher suggests that an improvement in cognitive tests during HAART may simply reflect that patients learn to perform better. (Grant et al., …show more content…
Although advances have been made towards understanding the mechanisms that underlie neurodegeneration, much remains unknown about them and about possible methods to treat this debilitating problem. More studies will be needed in order to determine the ability of tools such as HAART to treat this aspect of HIV-1 infection. Because many studies about the effectiveness of stress managing techniques have not taken into consideration their effect on patients also suffering from HAND, it is suggested that this matter be investigated further. So far, they seem like a promising alternative for those patients seeking to improve their impaired cognitive function associated to and arising from HIV