Diagnosis of HIV-Associated Dementia Clinical evaluation Measurement of CD4 count and HIV viral load Prompt evaluation, including MRI and usually lumbar puncture, when deterioration is acute HIV-associated dementia should be suspected in patients who have Symptoms of dementia Known HIV infection or symptoms or risk factors suggesting HIV infection If patients known to have HIV infection have symptoms suggesting dementia, a general diagnosis of dementia is confirmed based on the usual criteria, including the following: Cognitive or behavioral (neuropsychiatric) symptoms interfere with the ability to function at work or do usual daily activities.