Neuropsychiatric complications of aging with HIV

Abstract

Persons over age 50 are not only aging with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection but also represent a high proportion of new HIV infections. Neuro-psychiatric symptoms, including depression, cognitive impairment, and substance abuse, are very common in individuals infected with HIV. However, there is little understanding of the relationship between these HIV-related comorbid conditions in newly infected elderly patients compared to uninfected elderly and those who have survived after 20 years of HIV/AIDS. We summarize the current theories and research that link aging and HIV with psychiatric illnesses and identify emerging areas for improved research, treatment, and patient care. © 2012 Journal of NeuroVirology, Inc.