In HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder, memory encoding and retrieval deficits with psychomotor slowing and attention/executive impairment, language initially okay.

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The key concept here is the cognitive pattern typical of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND): subcortical-type deficits with problems in memory encoding and retrieval, slowed processing and psychomotor speed, and difficulties with attention and executive functions, while language is often preserved early on.

This option matches that profile precisely. The described symptoms—memory encoding and retrieval problems, psychomotor slowing, and attention/executive dysfunction—plus language that is initially spared fit HAND's characteristic pattern of frontal–subcortical disruption affecting processing speed and executive control, with memory difficulties that reflect issues in encoding and retrieval rather than a primary language problem.

Why the other described patterns don’t fit as well: a language-impaired profile with preserved memory contradicts the presence of memory deficits; a heavy visuospatial impairment suggests a different neural pattern more typical of cortical or posterior syndromes; a motor-only disorder would miss the clear memory and attentional/executive components.