Cognitive impairment among older adults living with HIV/AIDS and frailty

In 2014, 17% of newly diagnosed HIV infection cases in the United States were made in people over 50 years of age; actually, it is expected that in the near future this population group will be the most affected. This epidemiological change can be explained by the increased incidence of HIV infection in people over 50 years, but also by its higher prevalence due to treatment advances. As HIV infection has become a chronic one, new challenges have emerged. For instance, early-onset "geriatric syndromes," such as frailty, have been recognized in these patients. Frailty refers to a physiological state of vulnerability that increases the risk of adverse health-related outcomes. Frail individuals have higher risk of cognitive impairment; however, it is not known if early-onset frailty in those infected by HIV could also increase the risk of cognitive impairment in this already vulnerable population. The purpose of this review article is to describe, from an epidemiological point of view, the relationship between the changes promoted by HIV and the syndrome of frailty on cognitive function.