AIDS Dementia Complex (also known as Complex, AIDS Dementia, Dementia Complex, AIDS): A neurologic condition associated with the ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME and characterized by impaired concentration and memory, slowness of hand movements, ATAXIA, incontinence, apathy, and gait difficulties associated with HIV-

NIH MeSH · D015526Diseases

AIDS Dementia Complex

Also known asComplex, AIDS Dementia · Dementia Complex, AIDS · HIV Dementia · Dementia, HIV · Dementias, HIV · HIV Dementias · HIV-Associated Cognitive Motor Complex · HIV Associated Cognitive Motor Complex · Dementia Complex, AIDS-Related · Complex, AIDS-Related Dementia · Dementia Complex, AIDS Related · Acquired-Immune Deficiency Syndrome Dementia Complex

Definition

A neurologic condition associated with the ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME and characterized by impaired concentration and memory, slowness of hand movements, ATAXIA, incontinence, apathy, and gait difficulties associated with HIV-1 viral infection of the central nervous system. Pathologic examination of the brain reveals white matter rarefaction, perivascular infiltrates of lymphocytes, foamy macrophages, and multinucleated giant cells. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp760-1; N Engl J Med, 1995 Apr 6;332(14):934-40)

MeSH classification

  • C01.221.250.875.049
  • C01.221.812.640.400.070
  • C01.778.640.400.070
  • C01.925.782.815.616.400.049
  • C01.925.813.400.070
  • C10.228.140.380.070
  • C12.100.937.640.400.070
  • C20.673.480.070
  • F03.615.400.050

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Related concepts

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

An acquired defect of cellular immunity associated with infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a CD4-positive T-lymphocyte cou…

Acute Retroviral Syndrome

Early stage of HIV infection. Symptoms resemble INFLUENZA or INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS.

AIDS Arteritis, Central Nervous System

Inflammation of ARTERIES in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM that occurs in patients with ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME or AIDS-RELATED OPPOR…

AIDS-Associated Nephropathy

Renal syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients characterized by nephrotic syndrome, severe proteinuria, focal and segmenta…

AIDS-Related Complex

A prodromal phase of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Laboratory criteria separating AIDS-related complex (ARC) from A…

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections

Opportunistic infections found in patients who test positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The most common include PNEUMOCYSTIS PN…

Common questions about AIDS Dementia Complex

What does AIDS Dementia Complex mean in medicine?
A neurologic condition associated with the ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME and characterized by impaired concentration and memory, slowness of hand movements, ATAXIA, incontinence, apathy, and gait difficulties associated with HIV-1 viral infection of the central nervous system. Pathologic examination of the brain reveals white matter rarefaction, perivascular infiltrates of lymphocytes, foamy macrophages, and multinucleated giant cells. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp760-1; N Engl J Med, 1995 Apr 6;332(14):934-40) This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is AIDS Dementia Complex known by any other names?
Yes. AIDS Dementia Complex is also referred to as Complex, AIDS Dementia, Dementia Complex, AIDS, HIV Dementia, Dementia, HIV in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does AIDS Dementia Complex sit in the medical classification?
AIDS Dementia Complex falls under the broader medical category "Diseases" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: C01.221.250.875.049, C01.221.812.640.400.070, C01.778.640.400.070). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of AIDS Dementia Complex?
For a plain-language explanation of AIDS Dementia Complex - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about AIDS Dementia Complex" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D015526) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗