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CHANGE

HIV

a healthy aging study

The first geriatric HIV cohort in Canada

STUDY

The CHANGE HIV Study is a five-year longitudinal cohort study that aims to improve our knowledge of the complexities of HIV and aging, with a focus on understanding the physical, mental, cognitive, and social aspects of health and how they interact to affect wellbeing.

This cohort will measure markers of healthy aging over time, including health status variables and frailty scores. The study researchers are also interested in HIV-specific variables and microbiome function (viral load, immune function, gut health, etc.).

STUDY

BACKGROUND

In the early 1980's, the average age of a person diagnosed with HIV was mid 20’s with a mean survival under one year. Today, the average age of a person living with HIV in Canada is over 50 years and projected to rise above 65 in the next 10 years. This is a result of the development of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), and because roughly one-quarter of new infections are in people over the age of 50. The aging of this population poses significant challenges to the health system that are unique to people living with HIV.

BACKGROUND

SITES

OUR

SITES

Here is a list of our Clinical Partners.

RESEARCH CORES

TEAM

Core A1: Characterizing health of the cohort - To develop and implement a scientific program; establish the first geriatric HIV CAD cohort.

Core A2: Identifying factors influencing healthy aging - Address whether differences in health experience in aging PLWH differ based on sex and gender.

Core B1,2: Evaluating a healthy aging score in PLWH – 5 health domains/HAS.

Core B3: Evaluating the microbiome and immune activation - Biological determinants, microbiome diversity.

Core C: Establish a plan for the future interventions and strategies – Goal is to submit operating grants in years 4 and 5.

Core D: Education and training - Fostering training and mentorship.

Core E: Knowledge, translation, and exchange activities – There will be annual 2-day meetings (Day 1: business, Day 2: education/KTE).

CAB Core: Community involvement from members in Ontario, Montreal, and Vancouver to ensure that the needs and concerns of older PLWH are being address by the research.