I am newly diagosed 62 yr old female, infected 17 + years ago but only diagnosed in late stage aids. Viral load 2.5 mil, CD4 45 at low point. Responding very well to HAART in matter of weeks, viral now 2500, too soon for CD 4 check. feel better. Concerned about dementia(have 2 serverely demented alzheimers parents, too) and other late stage complications. what is most likely & what, if anything should I do or prepare for?

You sound like you have a pretty good grasp on what HIV infection is and what HIV treatment is all about. Although older people with HIV infection can be at accelerated risk for dementia, getting the virus under control will decrease the chances. HIV can affect the brain, like other organs, by creating an inflammatory response. This causes cells in many organs including the brain to produce chemicals that damage brain cells and blood vessels. You have had a great response to treatment so far. So the most important thing is taking your HIV meds and getting that virus to undetectable levels.