Aging and HIV infection

J Urban Health. 2006 Jan;83(1):31-42. doi: 10.1007/s11524-005-9005-6.

Abstract

With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in mid-1995, the prognosis for HIV-infected individuals has brightened dramatically. However, the conjunction of potent antiviral therapy and longer life expectancy may engender a variety of health risks that, heretofore, HIV specialists have not had to confront. The long-term effects of HIV infection itself and exposure to antiretroviral agents is unknown. Several aspects of aging, including psychiatric disease, neurocognitive impairment, and metabolic and hormonal disorders, may be influenced by chronic exposure to HIV and/or HIV therapeutics. In this paper, we discuss the health issues confronting HIV-infected older adults and areas for future research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology*
  • Aging / psychology
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Endocrine System Diseases / etiology
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • HIV Infections* / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / complications
  • Metabolic Diseases / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk-Taking

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents