Increased Dementia Risk Among HIV-Positive Adults in Malawi: A Study Overview

A study published in *Alzheimer’s and Dementia* indicates that adults with HIV in Malawi have a dementia risk over twice that of those without HIV. As HIV-positive individuals live longer due to antiretroviral therapy, the study suggests the necessity for tailored healthcare responses to address the growing risk of dementia in this population.

A recent study conducted by US and Malawian researchers reveals that adults living with HIV in Malawi have a risk of dementia that is more than double compared to those without HIV. This research, published in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia, highlights the pressing issue of dementia among HIV-positive individuals in Malawi and underscores the importance of researching dementia in regions with limited healthcare resources.

With advancements in antiretroviral therapy, individuals with HIV are experiencing increased life expectancies. However, this longevity comes with challenges as aging with HIV leads to a higher susceptibility for age-related diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Additionally, the virus contributes to brain inflammation and other alterations, further elevating the risk of developing dementia.

In Malawi, HIV affects between 8 to 12 percent of the adult population and remains the leading cause of mortality. Despite significant improvements in life expectancy (from an expected lifespan of 45 years for a child born in 2000 to 63 years for one born in 2021, according to the World Health Organization), experts foresee a rising incidence of dementia in an increasingly aging sub-Saharan African demographic.

Haeok Lee, a professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and lead author of the study, noted, “Most of what we know about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease comes from research studies in high-income countries, but less is known about dementia prevalence and risk in low- and middle-income countries.” To address this knowledge gap, the researchers analyzed records from 400 adults aged 30 and older attending an outpatient clinic in Lilongwe. Half of the patients were HIV-positive and receiving antiretroviral therapy, while the other half were HIV-negative.

The findings were significant: 22 percent of the HIV-positive group exhibited signs of dementia, in contrast to 10 percent of the HIV-negative group. While dementia prevalence increased with age in both demographics, those with HIV experienced a quicker rise and were diagnosed at younger ages. Moreover, depression was found to be a key risk factor for dementia in both populations, and for those living with HIV, job instability further contributed to their risk.

The researchers acknowledged limitations such as reliance on paper charts—due to the absence of electronic records—and the scarcity of healthcare professionals in Malawi, which may result in underdiagnosis of dementia. Jonathan Ngoma, a study author from the Kamuzu Central Hospital, emphasized, “We need to do more in order for us to look after patients with dementia in low- and middle-income countries.”

Lee further asserted, “Our findings highlight an urgent need to develop infrastructure for the management of dementia for both people living with HIV and the general population in Malawi… tailored to Malawians and the local health care system.” This pivotal research will feature in a special issue of Alzheimer’s and Dementia centered on dementia studies in Africa, involving various notable researchers from multiple institutions.

This study underscores the alarming intersection of HIV and dementia risk in Malawi, revealing that individuals with HIV are significantly more likely to develop dementia compared to their HIV-negative counterparts. The research emphasizes the need for improved healthcare infrastructure, diagnostic tools, and treatment guidelines adapted to the local context. As individuals with HIV continue to live longer, addressing the mental health challenges they face, including dementia, becomes essential in ensuring their overall well-being.

Original Source: www.nyu.edu

About Allegra Nguyen

Allegra Nguyen is an accomplished journalist with over a decade of experience reporting for leading news outlets. She began her career covering local politics and quickly expanded her expertise to international affairs. Allegra has a keen eye for investigative reporting and has received numerous accolades for her dedication to uncovering the truth. With a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, she blends rigorous research with compelling storytelling to engage her audience.

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