HIV infection in the elderly

Nancy Nguyen1, Mark Holodniy

  • 1University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Stockton, CA, USA.

Insights

The number of older adults living with HIV is increasing globally. Effective management of HIV in patients over 50 requires awareness of evolving epidemiology and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • An increasing number of individuals over 50 years old are living with HIV.
  • HIV infection is transitioning to a chronic condition manageable with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
  • Globally, an estimated 2.8 million people aged 50 and above are living with HIV/AIDS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology of HIV in older adults.
  • To discuss current HIV treatment strategies.
  • To highlight medical management considerations for HIV-infected geriatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiologic data on HIV prevalence in older adults.
  • Discussion of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) impact on survival.
  • Analysis of medical management challenges in the context of aging and HIV.

Main Results:

  • HIV survival rates have significantly improved due to HAART.
  • There is a growing population of older adults diagnosed with and living with HIV.
  • Clinicians must adapt to managing HIV as a chronic condition in aging patients.

Conclusions:

  • HIV management in older adults requires specialized knowledge of geriatric considerations.
  • Awareness of HIV trends in the aging population is crucial for healthcare providers.
  • This review aims to equip clinicians with information for managing HIV in elderly patients.

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