HIV/AIDS in older adults: a case study and discussion

Infection associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in older adults is an increasing problem in clinical care. Often regarded as a disease of the young, more than 10% of HIV infection actually is found in people 50 years of age and older. In addition, individuals with HIV and AIDS are living longer. Approximately 71% of them currently are in their 30s and 40s. Given the current therapies available, it is conceivable that these patients will live well into their 60s and beyond. A case study describing the acute care experience of a 77-year-old African American man is reported. Pitfalls of diagnosis and management are discussed in relation to the care of an older person with HIV disease. The epidemiology of HIV in this population and a review of some recent literature and research on HIV and older adults are presented.