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Dementia with HIV

My brother was Recently diagnosed with HIV, started treatment about a month ago. Since a week he is displaying signs of dementia. He forgets names of people around him, talks things that doesn’t make much sense. Really scared of him. Will this get better as treatment continues. Anyone else went through this?

  1. , I am sorry to hear your family is going through this. It can be so difficult and scary, as you mentioned, to see someone you care about go through this. If you haven't found it yet, this article may help: https://h-i-v.net/dementia-cognitive-disorders. It outlines the stages of HIV-related dementia as well as treatment and things that can relieve the symptoms. Has his care team been able to provide you with any advice on what to do? - Liz (Team Member)

    1. My partner was diagnosed with hiv related dementia. From my understanding this can only go one way - getting worse. Please go to your doc. and have a CT Scan done to take a good look at the brain. In doing this you have hard facts as to what’s happening. It could be something else. Our doc told us there was nothing we could do at this point.
      As a partner of 11 years I eventually lost my lover and best friend. He developed with the dementia sun downers. That is horrible because of the reactions he had and the anger associated with it. There are some helpful hint to do with this like turn on all lights so it’s bright inside. If I can stress anything contact his hiv doc and talk to him and the team - ask they for guidance.
      My prayers are with you as this is heartbreaking.

      1. , I just wanted to check in to see how you are doing. Thank you, for sharing with us what you went through. My thoughts are with you both. - Liz (Team Member)

    2. Alafia (Peace) I can't speak to if it will get better as care and treatment progresses. What I will share is that I understand the reason for your fear. I do hope things get better for your brother. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)

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