People living with HIV aged 50+ have a greater risk of developing other health conditions also known as comorbidities up to 10-15 years earlier.

Why?

It isn’t clear why exactly, but studies suggest some reasons why people living with HIV experience other health conditions are because, or a combination of:

  • The HIV infection itself (even if someone is on HIV treatment and has an undetectable viral load)

  • Untreated HIV infection or late diagnosis of HIV

  • HIV medication

Long-term, the HIV virus and HIV medications used to treat HIV, can cause a continuous immune response which results in chronic inflammation. Unfortunately, chronic inflammation is linked to just about all health conditions.

The common health conditions people living with HIV may need to manage, include:

  • Higher cholesterol or triglyceride levels: Increases risk of heart disease and stroke.

  • Decline in kidney & liver function: This leads to waste buildup, affecting overall health and causing fatigue, swelling, and other systemic issues.

  • Declining bone density and joint health: Causes osteoporosis, fractures, and arthritis, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

  • Cancers: Uncontrolled cell growth that can disrupt organ function and spread, potentially life-threatening.

  • High blood-sugar or diabetes: Causes cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, and vision problems.

  • Dementia or other neurological disorders like HAND. H.A.N.D. is an umbrella term for any HIV-Associated neurocognitive disorder.

  • Depression & anxiety: Resulting in persistent sadness and fear, which can severely impact the quality of life and daily activities.

  • Issues with sexual health and erectile dysfunction: This leads to difficulties in sexual performance and reduced libido, affecting relationships and self-esteem.

  • Hormone health like menopause: Causes hot flushes, mood swings, and increased risk of osteoporosis.

  • Weight gain: Increases risk of heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems.

  • Fat redistribution: Changes in body fat storage leading to altered body shape, metabolic issues, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

  • Mitochondria problems: Causes energy deficits, muscle weakness, and systemic organ dysfunction.

More information about these conditions can be found in Kete o te Wānanga | resource library

What can we do?

We still have a lot to learn about what exactly is causing inflammation and how best to treat it. In the meantime, people living with HIV can lower the risk by:

Maintain a healthy diet: Food high in omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds) and anti-inflammatory foods (such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and olive oil) supports overall health and help reduce inflammation.

Stop smoking: Studies show that inflammatory markers go up in people who smoke.

Keep active: Easier said and done if you find it difficult to get around but any activity, even if it’s chair exercises, is always better than no exercise.

Reduce recreational drug use: Cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy all promote inflammation, especially within the brain.

Monitor for other health conditions: Prevention is always better than treatment. Having regular tests for other common health conditions is important for early detection. See General health screenings for People living with HIV aged 50+ 

Keep HIV well-controlled: HIV medication plays a role in reducing inflammation even if long term, it can also contribute to it. But we know that the lower a person’s CD4 count is before they begin treatment, the slower it bounces back when treatment is started. If we have a low CD4 count, we have a much greater risk of developing other serious health conditions. Sometimes we can use food, other medications, alternative therapies and treatments to help counterbalance some of the side effects of HIV medications.