In which of the following ways does HIV-associated neurocognitive disease (HAND) differ in children versus in adults?
A) HIV effects on the nervous system are seen quickly in children, but appear only at later stages of the disease in adults.
B) HIV does not affect the nervous system in children, but does affect the nervous system in adults.
C) HIV effects on the nervous system occur at late stages of the disease in children, but appear right away in adults.
D) HIV affects the nervous systems of children, but has no impact on the nervous system in adults.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) manifest differently in children and adults primarily due to the stage of neurodevelopment at the time of infection. In children, especially those infected perinatally, the virus affects the nervous system early on, often leading to developmental delays and cognitive impairments. In contrast, in adults, HAND typically manifests at later stages of HIV infection, often after years of living with the virus, and can range from asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment to more severe forms like HIV-associated dementia. This difference underscores the impact of HIV on the developing brain versus the adult brain, where the disease progression and the timing of neurocognitive effects diverge.

In Which of the Following Ways Does HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disease