Aging and HIV – In communications, and misunderstood

Most of people over 50 who are HIV positive is reported. With the current information indicates that the infection rate is about 8% of infections of all new cases. In addition, the number of people who are HIV positive and has 50 years and older is increasing. The fact that HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) are helping people to live longer, means that men and women with HIV / AIDS are now facing the challenges of living with the disease, together with the effects of aging.

Many of the effects (HIV / AIDS or the decade of the antiretroviral ARV) on health are similar to those of aging. This creates difficulties in knowing what are the causes of certain conditions. The following conditions are common to both age and HIV infection:

- Decline in immune function

- Cardiovascular disease

- High blood pressure

- Kidney disease

- Cancer

- Diabetes

- Dementia

- Depression

- Nutritional disorders

- sexual dysfunction

Sadly, adults over age 50 do not participate in many clinical trials. This is helping to feed the lack of data on older adults and antiretroviral therapy. Some studies indicate that ARVs are equally effective in the elderly as they are for younger people.

However, it may be due in part to the fact that older adults tend to follow the prescription HIV therapy better than adults younger. Adherence to HIV therapy is important because it offers fewer opportunities for the virus to adapt and grow strong again. Non-adherence often leads to patients having to switch ARV therapy only to a cocktail of two or three AIDS drugs.

The drug’s side effects do not appear to be more common in older adults, however, may feel to be more severe. It should also be noted that the CD4 counts can not be increased even in the elderly.

There is a misconception in society that older adults are not at risk of contracting HIV / AIDS. This is simply not true, but because of this belief, many older people are diagnosed late. One consequence of this treatment is delayed, depending on the specialist you see, can be good or bad.

Those who are diagnosed later in life also face a double stigma. Our society has negative attitudes towards HIV and AIDS and aging. As a result, older adults who are diagnosed more often experience depression.

For those who are newly diagnosed, there are some very specific tests that must accompany routine testing for HIV control. These following tests can be an effective tool for you and your doctor to measure health, and identify from the outset, the conditions related to HIV, AIDS and aging:

- bone density test

- blood pressure

- the blood glucose Fasting

- Lipid Profile

- renal function

recognize and address problems at the outset is key to successful treatment. Addressing depression and anxiety in older adults and young adults, may ensure compliance with treatment guidelines established by the physician. It also serves to ensure regular visits to health care, participation in social activities and personal relationships that include a healthy sex life. Non-adherence can lead to declining health for people, and more virulent strains of HIV / AIDS, which require more financial resources for management.

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