Longitudinal evaluation of neuropsychological function in homosexual men with HIV infection: 18-month follow-up

Subjects were 21 men with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL, n = 13) or AIDS-related complex (ARC, n = 8), who were not receiving anti-retroviral medication, and 21 controls. At baseline, mild cognitive impairment was detected in language, memory, attention, and visual and auditory processing, primarily in patients with ARC. On follow-up, the ARC group showed continued impairment and abnormalities on new measures of distractibility and activities of daily living. Although mild decline in verbal memory was noted for some patients, overall neuropsychological profiles did not show deterioration. Nomenclature for the pattern of mild, stable neuropsychological changes in patients with cognitive symptoms is discussed. Two interdisciplinary panels have recommended the term HIV-1-associated minor cognitive/motor disorder. Unlike the term AIDS dementia, it does not imply progression or a diagnosis of AIDS.