Health care providers' knowledge about HIV induced dementia among older adults

In the present study, forty health care providers (physicians, psychologists, and nurses) responded to a questionnaire designed to assess their knowledge of HIV Associated Dementia Complex (HADC) among older adults. Consistent with expectation, these clinicians did not maintain accurate knowledge of HIV and HADC base rates, modes of transmission, and treatment options. Potential dangers of an inaccurate diagnosis of HADC, typical symptom presentations of HADC, recommendations for making a differential diagnosis with Alzheimer's dementia, case examples and the necessity of gathering sexual histories and avoiding ageist attitudes among older adult patients are discussed.