HIV & Aging: Journal Articles

Older Age & Social Support Not as Protective as Education, Partner Status in PTSD

Significantly elevated rates of PTSD are observed with high frequency in PLWHA. Several coping behaviors have been identified that can ameliorate PTSD symptoms and associated spectrums of depression. In a study of almost 250 African American women (54% were age 45 and older) multiple factors were assessed for their protective association as evidenced by reduced PTSD symptoms. The variables studied were age, marital status, education, internalized HIV-related stigma, and social support. Older age showed a significant but small association with reduced PTSD symptoms.

Body Composition, Especially Abdominal Obesity, Is Associated With Frailty In Older Men with HIV

About 400 men with and without HIV, median age 60 years, participating in a sub-study of the MACS (Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study), were evaluated for body composition (waist circumference, abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, sarcopenia, and osteopenia/osteoporosis) and presence of frailty (Fried definition). The frailty frequency was 16% for men with HIV and 8% for men without HIV (2.43 increased odds of frailty).

Polypharmacy In Adults with HIV and Substance Dependence Leads to Falls and Fractures

Utilizing an electronic medical record review in 250 adults (median age of 50 years) with HIV infection, substance dependence, or ever injection drug use, various categories of medication intake were determined. These categories included: overall systemically active; overall active but excluding antiretroviral (ARV); sedating, non-opioid sedating including gabapentin, trazodone, other anti-depressive medications; and opioids. The outcomes were self reported and included falls or accidents requiring medical attention and any fractures in the previous year.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Is Frequent in Older Adults with HIV

Many people living with HIV use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to manage symptoms, chronic medical conditions, or to optimize health. This study looked at different types of CAM among people living with HIV who were also taking ART. The study also compared characteristics of people who used CAM compared to those who did not. The data are from veterans who participated in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study between 2012-2015.

Chronic Depression Hurts Attendance, Treatment, and Mortality in Adults with HIV

Depression is known to be frequent in adults with HIV and to complicate management. However, what is not so clear is how the length of depression status over time can affect outcomes. In a study of almost 6000 patients, median age 44, with 2 or more depression assessments in the period 2005 to 2015, it was possible to address this question.

Prostate and Lung Cancer Will Increase Over the Next 15 Years

The National Cancer Institute projects that the proportion of adult persons with HIV in the US aged 65 years and older will increase from 8.5% to 21.4% in 2030. There will be a decrease in age-specific cancer rates for Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, cervical cancer, lung cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancer types combined through 2030. However, absolute numbers of lung cancer will increase. Also, prostate cancer rates and numbers are projected to increase during this time period.

Validated Method for Tracking Changes in Depression Status In Older Persons With HIV/AIDS

The frequency of depression in older adults with HIV is known to be higher than in matched populations. A challenge for assessment is the diagnosis of depression over time using a valid screening test. This study reports on the use of the CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies –Depression) scale as a screening test. It was evaluated in a 5-year longitudinal study of over 1500 MSM (men who have sex with men) participants, ages 50 and over, both with and without HIV.

CVD Risk Profile: Transgender Women with HIV Increased Anemia and Lower Hemoglobin

Almost a third of transgender women in the USA test positive for HIV (CDC). This study aimed to show the CVD profile of transgender women. Data was derived from the Partners Healthcare System (PHS) in Boston. The study found that transgender women with HIV showed a significantly increased prevalence of anemia, as well as lower hemoglobin levels when compared to men with HIV. Both groups had a mean age of 51. There was no difference for traditional CVD risk factors such as prevalence of hyperlipidemia or hypertension.

The Challenge of Addressing Transgender Aging

There is a paucity of research and published literature on older transgender individuals. This article provides a comprehensive review of the literature relevant to providing optimal mental health care to older trans adults. It reviews terminology, highlights health disparities, and reviews ways for mental health professionals to support the aging transgender client. The older the transgender adult, the more likely the individual grew up in a historical context when there was greater social stigma towards their gender identity, even among mental health professionals.

Viral Suppression Reduces Increased Cancer Risks seen in HIV Infected Veterans

HIV-positive veterans (n=42,441) and demographically matched uninfected veterans (n=104,712) from (1999-2015) were followed for 16 years in this study–98% were men. Long-term viral suppression was associated with a reduction in the increased risk by more than 90% for ADC (AIDS defining cancers). There was a 23% reduction for virus-related NADC (non–AIDS-defining cancer), but absent for NADC not caused by virus. For the first two groups, 60% of the risk reduction was attributed to early suppression.

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Purpose of this Program: The AAHIVM, ACRIA and AGS (collectively, the “Sponsors,” “we” or “us”) are sponsors of this Website and through it seek to address the unique needs and challenges that older adults of diverse populations living with HIV face as they age. However, the information in this Website is not meant to supplant the advice provided in a doctor-patient relationship.

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The American Academy of HIV Medicine is a professional organization that supports the HIV practitioner and promotes accessible, quality care for all Americans living with HIV disease. Our membership of HIV practitioners and credentialed HIV Specialists™, HIV Experts™, and HIV Pharmacists™ provide direct care to the majority of HIV patients in the US.