Neurocognitive Disorder and Emotional Symptoms in HIV+ Brazilian Elderly: Influence of Gender, Income, Diet, and Sleep.

Sabrina Martins Barroso,Kelly Cristina Ramira Sousa

doi:10.3389/fnhum.2021.721029

Sabrina Martins Barroso, Kelly Cristina Ramira Sousa

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2021.721029

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) and symptoms of anxiety and depression in HIV+ Brazilian elderly on antiretroviral treatments. The study included 112 HIV+ elderly who completed a questionnaire, tests for cognitive screening, attention, problem solving, processing speed, visual perception, memory, and anxiety and depression scales. The results showed presence of HAND (89.3%), pathological anxiety (48.2%) and depression (58%) in the sample. Higher income was a protective factor for HAND (OR = 0.33). Waking up well-rested (OR = 0.63) and better diet quality (OR = 0.62) reduced the chance of pathological anxiety. Higher education (OR = 0.74) and waking up well-rested (OR = 0.61) reduced the chance of depression. Being female (OR = 7.73) increased the chance of depression. It can be concluded that it is important to evaluate cognitive and emotional aspects of HIV+ elders and to consider social and educational status, diet, and sleep in interventions, paying special attention to elderly women.

Highlights

The evolution of antiretroviral treatments has contributed to increase the quality and life expectancy of HIV+ people since their emergence, changing their status from rapidly fatal to chronic
The first studies on cognitive deficits and emotional symptoms in HIV+ Brazilian elderly began in the 2000s, but are still scarce (Kalil et al, 2009; Christo, 2010; Nascimento et al, 2015; Pinheiro, 2016; Oliveira et al, 2017). Considering this context, the purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) and symptoms of anxiety and depression in HIV+ Brazilian elderly people on ART
This study identified cognitive deficits and emotional symptoms in most of the HIV+ elders investigated

Summary

Introduction

The evolution of antiretroviral treatments has contributed to increase the quality and life expectancy of HIV+ people since their emergence, changing their status from rapidly fatal to chronic. This population still has lower life expectancy than the general population, making HIV+ people to be considered elderly from the age of 50 (Luther and Wilkin, 2007; Pio et al, 2017). Between the emergence of the first case and the year 2020 Brazil registered 1,011,617 HIV+ people, of which 135,907 were elderly (Brasil, 2020).

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