HIV's double hit on brain cells

**HIV** can trigger learning and memory deficits by launching a double attack on the **brain**, research shows. It was already known that a protein on the surface of the **virus** could kill off mature brain cells. But the latest study shows it also prevents the production of replacements by crippling cells with the potential to step in and take their place. The University of California at San Diego study appears in the journal **Cell Stem Cell**. The researchers hope their work, which was carried out on mice, will aid efforts to find new ways to combat HIV-associated **dementia**. Researcher Dr Marcus Kaul said: "It's a double hit to the brain. "The HIV protein both causes brain injury and prevents its repair."... Whole on "BBC NEWS":[ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6944255.stm]

---