Increased Risk of Dementia Among Adults Living with HIV in Malawi

Adults with HIV in Malawi have more than double the risk of developing dementia compared to HIV-negative individuals, as revealed in a study published in “Alzheimer’s and Dementia.” The research calls attention to the need for improved dementia care and infrastructure in resource-poor settings.

A recent study has established that adults living with HIV in Malawi are over twice as likely to develop dementia compared to their HIV-negative counterparts. Conducted by a collaborative team of researchers from the United States and Malawi, the findings, now published in the journal “Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” emphasize the pressing issue of dementia among individuals with HIV in regions with limited healthcare resources.

Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy allowing individuals with HIV to live longer, the prevalence of age-related diseases, such as dementia, heart disease, and diabetes, has increased, especially as the virus contributes to cognitive decline due to inflammation and neurological changes. Notably, HIV remains a significant public health concern in Malawi, where 8 to 12 percent of the adult population is affected by the virus.

Malawi has witnessed a substantial increase in life expectancy over the years, rising from 45 years for children born in 2000 to 63 for those born in 2021, as reported by the World Health Organization. However, with an aging population in sub-Saharan Africa, health experts predict a dramatic rise in dementia cases in future decades.

Lead author Haeok Lee, a nursing professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, highlighted that much of the existing knowledge regarding dementia is derived from high-income countries, leaving a gap in understanding the prevalence in lower-income settings.

In the study, 400 adults aged 30 and older from an outpatient clinic in Lilongwe were examined, with half being HIV-positive and receiving treatment. The results revealed that 22 percent of HIV-positive individuals had dementia, compared to 10 percent of those without HIV. Additionally, age-related increases in dementia prevalence were observed more rapidly in HIV patients, who were also diagnosed at younger ages.

The study identified depression as a major risk factor for dementia in both groups, with unstable employment further heightening risks for those living with HIV. However, the researchers cautioned about several limitations regarding the use of medical records for assessing dementia prevalence, including challenges related to the analysis of paper records and a significant shortage of healthcare professionals within the country.

Jonathan Ngoma, a co-author from Kamuzu Central Hospital, remarked on the need for enhanced care for dementia patients in low-income settings, underscoring their commitment to disseminating critical information. Professor Lee further affirms the urgent need for developing tools and guidelines tailored to the local context to manage dementia effectively for both HIV-positive individuals and the general population in Malawi.

The study reveals a critical link between HIV and an increased risk of dementia among adults in Malawi, calling for structured approaches to dementia care in low-income settings. These findings underscore the importance of further research and the development of culturally relevant healthcare infrastructure to address the rising dementia rates in vulnerable populations like those living with HIV.

Original Source: www.nyu.edu