Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025
05:53
Measuring Frailty in HIV-infected Individuals. Identification of Frail Patients is the First Step to Amelioration and Reversal of Frailty
Published on: July 24, 2013
16.6K
Frailty in Aging HIV-Positive Individuals: An Evolving Healthcare Landscape
Mohammad Mansour1,2, Monisha Augustine3, Mahendra Kumar4
1General Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, HUN.
Cureus
|January 15, 2024
Summary
People living with HIV now live longer, but face earlier frailty. Early identification and management of frailty are crucial for the health and well-being of older adults with HIV.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) has significantly increased life expectancy for people living with HIV (PLWH).
- Increased longevity in PLWH has led to a higher prevalence of age-related comorbidities, notably frailty, appearing earlier in this population.
- Frailty, encompassing physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects, is a critical predictor of adverse health outcomes in PLWH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving healthcare landscape for older people living with HIV (OPLWH).
- To highlight the importance of identifying and managing frailty in OPLWH for comprehensive care.
- To discuss the pathophysiology, assessment, and future management strategies for frailty in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- This is a narrative review of current literature.
- Focuses on the intersection of aging, HIV, and frailty.
- Examines frailty assessment tools (Frailty Phenotype, Frailty Index) and management approaches.
Main Results:
- Frailty is a significant concern for the aging PLWH population, linked to chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and mortality.
- Immunological mechanisms are implicated in the pathophysiology of frailty among PLWH.
- Screening and management strategies are advancing, including multidisciplinary care and exploring pharmacotherapeutic and e-health solutions.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of frailty is essential for the holistic care and improved well-being of OPLWH.
- Future directions include novel treatments and technologies, emphasizing the need to avoid ageist practices in frailty assessment.
- Addressing frailty is critical as the median age of PLWH increases.
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