Neurodegeneration and ageing in the HAART era

Bruce J. Brew, S. M. Crowe, A. Landay, Lucette A. Cysique, Gilles Guillemin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration still occur despite highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). While there are many potential reasons for this, there is increasing evidence that such impairment occurs in the absence of a clear cause. Furthermore, there are data that some neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's or an Alzheimer-like illness, are becoming more common in the context of HAART-treated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. This review will critically examine the evidence underpinning these observations. Potential mechanisms will be discussed with particular emphasis on the effect of ageing and how it overlaps with the effects of HIV disease itself thereby leading to neurodegeneration. The nature of this overlap will then be explored for its potential role in the facilitated expression and development of neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, there will be a brief discussion of interventions to minimize such neurodegeneration including optimization of HAART for brain entry.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)163-174
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology
Volume4
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's
  • Dementia
  • HAART
  • HIV
  • Neurodegenerative diseases

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience (miscellaneous)
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

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