Special Topics in the Care of Older People with HIV.

Overview

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Antiretroviral therapy has enabled many people with HIV to live long lives with their infection, but the literature suggests that long term survivors are developing comorbidities and aging-related syndromes at earlier ages than their non-infected counterparts. In addition, there is evidence or sex-based differences in comorbidity risk. RECENT FINDINGS: How to best care for people aging with HIV is not known, but the tools of comprehensive geriatric assessment can identify people at risk for decline. Newer antiretroviral therapies offer promise of fewer side effects and drug interactions. We will also discuss special needs of women aging with HIV. SUMMARY: People with HIV and their providers are often unprepared to confront issues of aging, and each clinical program must develop methods to assess older patient and manage age-related complications and syndromes.