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Aging and AIDS

Steve Scher
12/07/2009 at 9:00 a.m.

What is the reality of aging with AIDS? Medications have allowed people with HIV/AIDS to live longer, but as they age, some experience serious side effects from the drugs. Popular drug cocktails can contribute to accelerated cardiovascular disease, redistribution of fat, and neurological and cognitive defects. How can people with AIDS stay healthy as they get older? What new drug combinations could help? Also, seniors who contract HIV later in life often experience social isolation and stigma. We'll address the psychosocial issues of aging and HIV/AIDS. Are you living with HIV? What challenges are you experiencing as you age? What concerns do you have? How do you stay healthy? Call 1.800.289.KUOW during the show to share your perspective.

Guest(s)

Dr. Clyde Crumpacker is a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a senior physician in the Division of Infectious Disease at Beth Israel Deaconess.

Dr. Bob Wood is director of the HIV/AIDS Program within Public Health for Seattle & King County Public Health. He has run the HIV program since the beginning of the epidemic. He will be retiring at the end of the year. Dr. Wood is also clinical professor of medicine at the University of Washington and a member of the Governor's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. He has been HIV positive since at least 1985.

Dr. Charles Emlet is an associate professor of social work at the University of Washington, Tacoma Campus, and a member of the Governor's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. He is also the author of the book "HIV/AIDS and Older Adults: Challenges for Individuals, Families and Communities."