Washington, July 27 - More than half the patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) report drinking heavily. A study on failing memory has found that HIV infection and chronic alcoholism damage brain function.

'It has been consistently documented that chronic heavy drinking results in cognitive and motor deficits,' said Edith V. Sullivan, professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine (SUSM) and study co-author.

'Chronic heavy drinking co-occurring with HIV infection is highly prevalent, and the separate and combined untoward effects on the brain and its processes can be significant and can disrupt activities related to daily living,' said Sullivan.

This prevalence exists despite considerable educational and prevention programmes regarding both HIV and alcoholism, added Sara Jo Nixon, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Florida.

The results are slated for publication in the October issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.