Compounds having formulas (I) to (VIII), salts thereof, or combinations thereof and pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more these compounds are described herein for the treatment of HIV and neurodegenerative effects caused by HIV. Also provided herein are methods and a kit for inhibiting HIV-1, treating latent HIV in the brain, and preventing HIV-mediated cognitive decline and HIV dementia comprising administering the compounds having the formulas (I) to (VIII) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds having these formulas. The compounds having formulas I through VIII are curcumin analogs which are advantageously characterized as having anti-retroviral, neuroprotective, anti-glucosidase, and anti-HIV integrase properties. In one aspect, the pharmaceutical composition is delivered intranasally.