Impairment Associated with HIV-Associated Dementia Complex

 

The HIV-associated dementia complex may affect:

(1) motor function only

(2) behavior only

(3) both motor function and behavior

 

Parameters:

(1) ability to work at job or at home

(2) activities of daily living (ADL)

(3) social activities and interactions with others

Ability to Work	Activities of Daily Living	Social Activity and Interactions	Grade
decreased, unable to do usual job but can do less demanding tasks	decreased capacity but still independent	cannot engage in complicated recreational activities	mild
unable to work, even at home	requires some assistance in ADL	able to communicate basic needs	moderate
unable to work, even at home	dependent in all activities	nearly or completely mute	severe

 

where:

• These criteria leave space for minimal impairment, where the patient can still do usual job and/or there is a minor decrease in hygiene.

• The decrease in performance for a mild impairment should be "conspicuous to others". The minimal impairment might be only obvious to a spouse or close friend.

• There is probably room for a mild to moderate impairment, where a person works fewer hours and able to participate in simple social activities.