Perspective on HIV infection and aging: Emerging research on the horizon

A greater prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - infected individuals aged > 50 years is projected. This epidemiologic trend will continue to increase as a result not only of greater survival rates among HIV-infected patients who receive treatment, but also of delayed recognition of older individuals with occult HIV disease. Historically, it was thought that, despite viral responses to highly active antiretroviral therapy ( HAART) among older individuals that approximate those of younger individuals, older persons infected with HIV could not mount as vigorous an immune response as do younger HIV-infected individuals. However, recent evidence suggests that older HIV-infected individuals may do just as well, because they may be more compliant with their antiretroviral regimens. Limited data are available on the safety and tolerability of HAART in this population. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic, neuropsychiatric, and cardiovascular morbidities could be exacerbated by use of antiretrovirals or by HIV infection itself. Additional research is needed to optimize the care of older HIV-infected patients.