New research shows that people living with HIV (PLHIV) with an undetectable viral load, experience changes in thinking and memory as they get older at about the same rate as people without HIV.
This large, long-term study looked at people who were virally suppressed, meaning their HIV medicine was working well and the amount of virus in their blood stayed very low. The researchers found that cognitive ageing (changes in memory, thinking speed, and attention) happened at a similar pace in both groups, those with and without HIV (when HIV was well treated).
However, PLHIV who did not have a stable undetectable viral load generally showed greater age-related changes in thinking and memory. This means staying on treatment and maintaining viral suppression is key to supporting brain health as you age.
Keeping your HIV under control with daily treatment not only helps your overall health, but it also supports your brain as you get older. Regular check-ups with your doctor or clinic can ensure your treatment is working well.
