AIDS and the elderly

The proportion of HIV/AIDS victims in American who are over 50 years of age comprises 10% of the HIV/AIDS population, which brings about medical concerns for this subset. Dementia is an increased risk, and cardiovascular disease coupled with age and antiretroviral drugs blights the older age group. HIV also tends to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as doctors tend to avoid taking sexual histories in older members of the public, foregoing essential screening and follow up tests. As much as 44% of the population over 60 who tested positive for HIV were not aware of how they contracted the disease. HIV is transmitted via blood products and sexual activities.