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Review
. 2021 Jun;18(3):157-175.
doi: 10.1007/s11904-021-00554-1. Epub 2021 Apr 5.

Frailty and HIV: Moving from Characterization to Intervention

Kristine M Erlandson  1   2 , Damani A Piggott  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Frailty and HIV: Moving from Characterization to Intervention

Kristine M Erlandson et al. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose of review: While the characteristics associated with frailty in people with HIV (PWH) have been well described, little is known regarding interventions to slow or reverse frailty. Here we review interventions to prevent or treat frailty in the general population and in people with HIV (PWH).

Recent findings: Frailty interventions have primarily relied on nonpharmacologic interventions (e.g., exercise and nutrition). Although few have addressed frailty, many of these therapies have shown benefit on components of frailty including gait speed, strength, and low activity among PWH. When nonpharmacologic interventions are insufficient, pharmacologic interventions may be necessary. Many interventions have been tested in preclinical models, but few have been tested or shown benefit among older adults with or without HIV. Ultimately, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions have the potential to improve vulnerability that underlies frailty in PWH, though clinical data is currently sparse.

Keywords: Frailty interventions; HIV and aging; Mobility; Pillars of aging; Senolytics.

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References

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    2. This article delineates 9 primary pillars or hallmarks of aging processes across species that precipitate loss of physiological integrity, impaired function and increased vulnerability to death. These pathways have been considered key targets for putative pharmacologic interventions to improve human health across the lifespan.

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