HIV -Dementia and Ageing
Due to the amazing advancements of HIV Treatment, we are thankfully now seeing the first wave of “older people” living with HIV.
In 2017, Terrence Higgins Trust Commissioned a piece of research which explored the lives of the older HIV population. At DSDC, our Senior Dementia Consultant, spoke at the Scottish Dementia Research Consortium Conference about this every subject.
Did you know that an older people living with HIV
· Age faster
· Are more likely to be living with chronic conditions
· 8 out of 10 feared cognitive impairment and dementia.
With the amazing advancements in treatment, there has been neglect. Policy, care practice and frameworks are not up to date. When we look back at the history of HIV, we see fear, stigma and discrimination. Older people living with HIV and a dementia, faced increased disparities in healthcare provision, equality and inclusivity.
So today, take a moment to reflect, what can you do to instigate conversations around this subject, whether you be a care partner, nurse or retired. Let’s reduce the stigma - change peoples’ perspectives and start to look at tangible ways we can ensure true inclusivity in care practice for our ageing HIV population.
I would really encourage you to read the report.
