AEGiS-UPI: Number of older HIV victims is increasing

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Number of older HIV victims is increasing

United Press International - August 30, 2005

NEW YORK (United Press International via COMTEX) - HIV is often regarded as a disease of young people, but researchers say the number of people over age 50 infected with HIV is significant and growing.

An article in the Sept. 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online, said the increasing number of older people diagnosed with HIV may be due to several factors.

The development of highly active anti-retroviral therapy has probably contributed to HIV-infected patients' survival into old age. Older patients are more likely to adhere to medication schedules, resulting in good immune responses.

Also, HIV infection is slowly starting to become more recognized as a potential diagnosis for older patients, resulting in expanded testing.

"I would say that, on average, physicians are not aware that they need to be thinking about HIV as a possible diagnosis in their older patients," said lead author Dr. Nathalie Casau of Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.

Casau said areas in which future research into HIV in older people would be helpful include HIV-related bone density loss, cardiovascular disease and dementia -- all well studied in younger patients, but which may progress differently in older HIV-infected individuals.

050830
UP050805

Copyright © 2005 - United Press International. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through United Press International, Permissions Desk, 1510 H St. N.W. Washington DC 2005. Main Phone Switchboard: 202-898-8000 FAX: 202-898-8057 or 202-898-8147 Email: info@upi.com.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .