Neuropsychological Assessment
People with HIV might experience cognitive impairment. This can be caused by a range of different reasons, including the virus itself (AIDS Dementia Complex), opportunistic infections (e.g. toxoplasmosis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy), or factors not related to HIV such as head injury or heavy drug and alcohol use. Each of these can result in a different pattern of cognitive impairment.
Neuropsychological assessments can be used to determine the presence and degree of a person's cognitive impairment, as well as make comments about likely diagnosis based on the pattern of impairment. In addition, they can be utilised to assess whether a medication regime is effective in alleviating some of the symptoms of ADC, or to assess disease progression and/or stabilisation. Neuropsychological assessments are sensitive measures that can often detect impairment before it shows up on CT or MRI scans.
Based on the results of a neuropsychological assessment, recommendations can be made as to how best to manage such impairments and minimise their impact on the person and their carers.
If neuropsychological assessments are not available in the local area in New South Wales, the ADAHPS psychologist can travel to your area to undertake such assessments.