Diagnosing HIV dementia: a retrospective analysis.

The purpose of this study was to determine the criteria by which the diagnosis of HIV dementia was made by providers in a public HIV outpatient clinic and hospital, and to evaluate the extent to which the providers' diagnosis confirmed or denied the presence of HIV dementia according to CDC recommendations. Retrospective chart analysis was conducted detailing symptomology, laboratory findings, and social characteristics of 103 HIV-infected patients from Nov 1, 1990 to Dec 31, 1993. Seventy-eight patients were evaluated by providers and given a preliminary HIV dementia diagnosis; 25 patients received no preliminary diagnosis. On follow-up, 39 were confirmed diagnosis while 64 patients received no follow-up (confirmatory) diagnosis. Inability to pay attention or remember details, memory deficit, motor weakness, and mild disorientation were all found to be significantly associated with being evaluated by a provider. Substance use was prevalent. Inconsistent manner in which HIV-demented patients were identified highlights the need for a standardized evaluation of signs and symptoms known to be associated with HIV dementia.