Dr. Sy Schlager: HIV/AIDS Causes Brain to Shrink

According to a recent study conducted at Washington University at St. Louis, HIV/AIDS patients showed a significant decrease in the size of specific parts of the brain. The study also brought to light that even patients currently taking antiretroviral medications still suffered from brain atrophy. In addition, the research also suggests that a decrease in brain volume in these specific areas is independently linked to age.

Dr. Sy Schlager: What Areas Are Affected?

The Caudate Nucleus

  • The caudate nucleus controls some of the body’s movement, motor control, learning, and memory. The study indicates that often, this part of the brain is affected by the HIV/AIDs virus. The study also noticed shrinkage due to aging; however these two are not linked. It is estimated that the HIV/AIDs virus ages this part of the brain up to 15-17 years.

The Amygdala

  • The amygdala is a part of the brain that affects the processing of emotional reactions. The HIV/AIDs virus has shown to significantly decrease the size of this part of the brain as well.

The Corpus Callosum

  • The corpus callosum is a very vital part of the brain. It helps the right half communicate with the left half of the brain. Sy Schlager notes that when this area of the brain is affected, multiple symptoms may present in patients.

Dr. Sy Schlager: How To Combat Brain Shrinkage

Previous studies alluded to the fact that the HIV/AIDs virus affected cognition and brain function. However, the extent was not certain until now. Additionally, the study also showed that HIV/AIDs patients tested worse on a cognitive function test than non-infected people.

Unfortunately most antiretroviral drugs do not address the issue of brain shrinkage. As of now trials are under way to determine if drugs can be developed that will combat the virus as well as prevent brain deterioration in HIV/AIDS patients.

Sy Schlager and Preventing Brain Shrinkage

However, there is a large body of evidence to suggest that exercise and proper diet can help combat the effects of brain shrinkage due to age. Dr. Sy Schlager recommends that everyone (whether or not they are infected with HIV/AIDs) takes part in regular exercise and eats healthily. These practices can serve as great preventative measures and secure brain health far into old age.

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