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HIV Attacks Young Brain, Even with Early Treatment
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Recent studies have shown that the HIV virus may affect the brains of children living with and exposed to the virus, even with early antiretroviral therapy (ART). HIV can disrupt neurodevelopment, which affects how children learn, reason, and function.
Recent studies have shown that the HIV virus may affect the brains of children living with and exposed to the virus, even with early antiretroviral therapy (ART). HIV can disrupt neurodevelopment, which affects how children learn, reason, and function.
A 2-year longitudinal study by Michael Boivin, professor and director of the Psychiatry Research Program in the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine found that early treatment and proper care did not remove the chance for children living with HIV to experience significant neuropsychological problems. Although treatment helps to keep children alive and healthier than they would be without treatment, it should be noted that these precautions should begin earlier than 6 months of age.
The full article was originally published on Contemporary Clinic.
