Dementia caused by HIV appears to be due to ______________.
A) the HIV infection itself
B) side effects of medications used to treat HIV
C) opportunistic infections that occur in HIV patients
D) chemical imbalances in the brain

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dementia in HIV patients is caused by the HIV infection itself. The virus can cross the blood-brain barrier and directly damage brain cells, leading to cognitive impairment and dementia. While medication side effects and opportunistic infections can also affect cognition, they are not the primary cause of HIV-related dementia. Chemical imbalances in the brain may play a role, but this is likely secondary to the direct damage caused by the virus.

Dementia Caused by HIV Appears to Be Due to ______________