Neurocognitive disorders in young adults commencing highly active anti-retroviral treatment in the Western Cape

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain prevalent in the era of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). The aim of the study was to investigate whether HAND are as prevalent in South Africa as in other regions, and whether individuals with HAND in South Africa will respond to HAART. The literature was reviewed to elucidate potential mechanisms of the development of HIV-associated dementia (HAD), the most severe form of HAND, and to establish the effect that HAART has exerted on HAND across diverse studies. A prospective clinical cohort study was initiated in Cape Town, comprising 170 participants. The reviewed literature suggests that HAD is likely mediated by a range of HIV-related factors (including possible difference in HIV sub-type) and host-related factors