Which demographic is most likely to present with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)?

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is predominantly seen in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with conditions such as HIV/AIDS, certain lymphoproliferative disorders, or individuals undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The disease is caused by the reactivation of the JC virus, which is typically benign in healthy individuals but can lead to severe neurological deficits in those whose immune system is compromised.

In immunocompromised patients, the body's ability to control the JC virus is weakened, leading to viral replication and subsequent damage to oligodendrocytes, which are the cells responsible for myelination in the central nervous system. The clinical manifestations of PML often include progressive neurologic symptoms such as cognitive decline, motor deficits, and visual disturbances.

While other demographics may present with different types of neurological complications, they are not typically associated with the development of PML in the same manner as individuals with compromised immune systems. This makes immunocompromised patients the clear demographic most likely to develop this particular condition.