A Brown University study highlights increases in the numbers of nursing center residents who are HIV positive, along with opportunities to improve care for younger residents with both HIV and dementia.

The research team, led by Dr. Ira Wilson (pictured) in the Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, conducted an analysis using nine years of Medicare and Medicaid data (2001-2010) from the 14 states with the highest HIV burden. They identified residents with and without HIV, and also examined the use of antipsychotic medications among HIV positive residents with dementia. The prevalence of long-stay residents with HIV increased by 71%, from 0.7% to 1.2%, and residents with HIV were younger, more likely to be male, and more likely to be racial/ethnic minorities than residents without HIV. Younger residents (under age 65 years) with dementia were more likely to receive antipsychotic medications if they were HIV positive vs. HIV negative.  

According to the paper’s authors, these findings contribute to the evidence base needed to ensure high‐quality care for younger and older residents living with HIV, which is timely and important as the overall population of people with HIV ages into nursing centers.