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.).
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.
OUR
SITES
Here is a list of our Clinical Partners.
RESEARCH CORES
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.
*In remembrance: we honour Ron and Patricia’s steadfast dedication and invaluable contributions to the HIV community.
STUDY FACTS
Planned
750
Participants being recruited
5
Year study duration
65 +
Age range
18
Months between surveys
At study completion
553
7
65 - 90+
Participants recruited
Study duration in years
Age range
CHANGE HIV Investigators
“Aging with HIV has so many unknowns, we're so proud to be a part of shining a light on the areas that are currently so hard to see.”
What we've learned...
Articles, Posters and Presentations
Explore our articles, posters and presentations that provide insights and knowledge about various aspects of HIV and aging.
Please copy underlined links into your browser.
CHANGE HIV Team Study Update Presentation
Passcode: PDE3E7H+
Published Articles
Su TT, O'Brien KK, Zhabokritsky A, Boyachuk B, Walmsley S
Dushoff M, Bowdish DME, Zhabokritsky A, Lovblom LE, Klein MB, Boyachuk B, Falutz JM, Loutfy M, Smith GHR, Tan DHS, Cowbrough B, Walmsley SL
BMC Geriatr. 2025 Dec 23;26(1):108. doi: 10.1186/s12877-025-06891-9.PMID: 41436941 Free PMC article.
Armstrong E, Seo E, Boyachuk B, Loutfy M, Smith G, Falutz JM, Klein M, Coburn B, Walmsley S, Zhabokritsky A
AIDS. 2025 Nov 21. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000004412. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41284313
Hopwood-Raja JJ, Tseng AL, Sheehan NL, Walmsley SL, Falutz J, Zhabokritsky A
AIDS. 2025 Nov 1;39(13):1898-1906. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000004284. Epub 2025 Jun 27.PMID: 40581971
Prevalence and Correlates of Frailty Among Older Adults Living With HIV in the CHANGE HIV Cohort.
Zhabokritsky A, Klein M, Harris M, Loutfy M, Guillemi S, Tan DHS, Falutz J, Andany N, Guaraldi G, Lovblom LE, Walmsley S.
J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2024 Nov 1;97(3):226-231. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000003485. Epub 2024 Oct 7.PMID: 39431506 Free PMC article.
Zhabokritsky A, Klein M, Loutfy M, Guaraldi G, Andany N, Guillemi S, Falutz J, Arbess G, Tan DHS, Walmsley S.
Front Med (Lausanne). 2024 Apr 16;11:1380731. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1380731. eCollection 2024.PMID: 38690177 Free PMC article.
Correlates of Healthy Aging in Geriatric HIV (CHANGE HIV)-CTN 314.
Zhabokritsky A, Clarke R, Rosenes R, Smith G, Loutfy M, Andany N, Falutz J, Klein M, Harris M, Guillemi S, Tan DHS, Arbess G, Walmsley S.
Viruses. 2023 Feb 13;15(2):517. doi: 10.3390/v15020517.PMID: 36851731 Free PMC article.
GET IN
TOUCH
Interested in CHANGE HIV?
We can't wait to hear from you.
Please email Bryan.Boyachuk@uhn.ca