To analyze the effects of aging, HIV serostatus, and viral load on cognition and brain volumes in individuals with and without HIV, emphasizing the importance of understanding cognitive disorders in this context.
Key Findings:
PWOH and PWHU showed similar cognitive performance changes with age, while PWHD exhibited a steeper cognitive decline, indicating a need for targeted interventions.
Both PWH groups had smaller regional brain volumes compared to PWOH, but the rate of volume loss with age was similar across groups except in the lentiform regions, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Increased age and smaller brain volumes were associated with greater cognitive decline specifically in PWHD, suggesting a critical area for clinical focus.
Interpretation:
Viral suppression in PWH appears to mitigate accelerated cognitive decline and brain volume loss compared to PWOH, while PWHD are at increased risk for cognitive impairment, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring.
Limitations:
The study is limited to a single-site sample, which may affect generalizability, particularly in diverse populations.
Longitudinal data may not fully capture the long-term effects of HIV and aging, necessitating further research.
Conclusion:
Effective management of viral load in aging PWH is crucial, as achieving viral suppression does not lead to accelerated cognitive decline compared to PWOH, emphasizing the importance of ongoing clinical care.
