AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC) is not a true opportunistic infection. It is one of the few conditions caused directly by the HIV virus. Those with ADC have HIV-infected macrophages in the brain. That means HIV is actively infecting brain cells.

This article from the Dec. 96 Bulletin of Experimental Treatments for AIDS covers AIDS Dementia Complex.

Dementia is an organic mental disorder defined as a loss of intellectual abilities interfering with a person's social or occupational function. AIDS dementia complex (ADC) is a complicated syndrome made up of different nervous system and mental symptoms found somewhat commonly in people with HIV-disease. The frequency of ADC increases with advancing disease.

HIV-1 disease involves the central nervous system shortly after infection. The viral RNA replicates in the cerebrospinal fluid and can eventually lead to a form of dementia called AIDS dementia complex. Zidovudine previously has been shown to decrease the number of cases of AIDS dementia complex.