Aging with HIV: Clinical Considerations for an Emerging Population

In Brief Overview: Since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, HIV infection has become a chronic, albeit life-threatening, condition that can be managed; therefore, more and more people are growing older with HIV. Although little research has been conducted on how HIV infection and the aging process interact to affect patient care and well-being, the bodies of literature pertaining to gerontology and HIV and AIDS offer some guidance. It can be helpful for the nurse to have a brief overview of some common concerns—in particular, the potential for drug interactions or toxicities, cognitive declines, and emotional problems—that nurses and other health care professionals are likely to face when providing care to older adults with HIV. Gain a better understanding of the potential for drug interactions, cognitive decline, and emotional problems that older adults with HIV are likely to face.