New Research Aims to Improve Health for Aging Americans with H.I.V.
Americans with H.I.V. are living longer lives, but they face unique health challenges as they age. Many individuals living with the virus experience various health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, social isolation, and cognitive decline, starting around age 50. To address this issue, the medical research community is actively searching for new ways to improve the health and well-being of older individuals with H.I.V.
One recent study showed that a statin drug significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes among middle-aged and older adults with H.I.V. Additionally, this study may provide valuable insights into why individuals with H.I.V. tend to age faster than others. Academic hospitals have also established specialized clinics for older people with the virus, offering a range of medical and support services.
Dr. Nathan Goldstein, who heads one such clinic at Mount Sinai in New York City, expressed excitement about the progress in care for older individuals with H.I.V. He highlighted the increase in attention, new models, and grant funding dedicated to this population. More than two dozen H.I.V. and aging experts share his optimism, in contrast to the more pessimistic views of a decade ago.
The number of Americans aged 50 and older diagnosed with H.I.V. has increased by 73 percent since 2011, reaching 572,000 in 2021. Currently, two-thirds of deaths among the H.I.V. population are caused by factors other than the virus itself. Older individuals with H.I.V. are at a higher risk for conditions such as diabetes, liver and kidney disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and various cancers.
However, the most pressing health concern for this aging population is the doubled risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those without the virus. Researchers in the Netherlands estimate that by 2030, over three-quarters of the country’s H.I.V. population will have cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attacks, or strokes.
In an effort to address this mounting threat, the National Institutes of Health invested $100 million in a randomized controlled trial called Reprieve. The study tested a statin medication against a placebo among 7,769 relatively healthy people with H.I.V. aged 40 to 75 who were on stable antiretroviral treatment. The results, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, showed that the statin reduced the volunteers’ risk of major cardiovascular events by over one-third.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, described this study as important, noting that the results were even better than expected. Many individuals with H.I.V. have begun taking statins, understanding the significance of protecting their cardiovascular health.
It is crucial to consider that the long-term care of people with H.I.V. extends beyond prescription drugs. Issues such as poverty, loneliness, addiction, mental illness, stigma, and housing insecurity are prevalent among older individuals with H.I.V. and can worsen the challenges of aging.
Specialized programs, like the “Golden Compass” program at the University of California, San Francisco, provide a wide range of services to aging H.I.V. patients. However, the majority of older individuals with the virus do not have access to such high-quality care due to cost, staffing, and space limitations.
Advocates stress the importance of addressing these gaps in care to prevent individuals from falling through the cracks. With ongoing research and the dedication of medical professionals, the goal is to improve the overall health and well-being of aging Americans with H.I.V., helping them live fulfilling lives well into their later years.