Research Paper on:
HIV Therapy and Aging

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
progression to full-blown acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and death. Due to HAART, HIV-positive patients are aging into middle age and beyond. Therefore, research is examining the effects of HIV  and HAART on the aging process and the changes that occur with the disease as the patient ages. Gebo (2006) offers a comprehensive summation of research and an overview  of the topic, pointing out that increasing number of HIV-positive patients over 50, which is due to the intervention of HAART as well as from newly infected cases. While it  is possible for older patients to achieve the same level of viral suppression as their younger counterparts, it is also evident that the benefits of HAART in older individuals may  be reduced (Gebo, 2006). Furthermore, the toxicities that are associated with HAART have been known to be worse for older patients, especially in regards to individuals who have renal or  hepatic problems (Gebo, 2006). It appears, based on research data, that older patients, in responding to HAART, have diminished capacity for immune recovery. Nogueras, et al (2006) conducted a  prospective cohort study over a five-year period from 1998 to 2003 that utilized a sample group that ranged in age from 13 to over 50 years. The purpose of this  study was to investigate the patient response to HAART and survival in elderly HIV-positive patients as compared to their younger counterparts. The participants were divided into two groups: one with  patients over 50 and the other for younger patients. The older patients benefitted from HAART, but they did not achieve the same level of benefit to their immune systems  as did their younger counterparts. This consequently led to faster progression to AIDS and a shorter survival rate (Nogueras, et al, 2006). This finding was associated with the lower immune