Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among people with HIV

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) continue to be a public health challenge. People with HIV (PWH) are at risk for neurocognitive disorders and may be at risk for AD/ADRD. However, studies examining clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with AD/ADRD among PWH are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the association between selected sociodemographic (age, gender, race, and rurality) and clinical (depression and encephalopathy) factors with AD/ADRD among PWH. Methods: Data were obtained from the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs (RFA) Office and the South Carolina Alzheimer's Disease Registry (N = 13 390). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between age, gender, race, rurality, depression, and encephalopathy, and AD/ADRD among PWH. Results: Among the study population (N = 13 390), 5% (n = 601) were found to have AD/ADRD. There was a dose-response relationship between age group and AD/ADRD whereas the age group increased, the association increased. For example, those who were aged 80 years and older were 80 times more likely to have AD/ADRD compared to those aged 18-29 years [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 80.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 40.2-160.8]. Additionally, male sex (aOR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.9-1.6) and encephalopathy (aOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.9-3.2) were positively associated with AD/ADRD for PWH. Conclusion: AD/ADRD interventions may be warranted among PWH, especially among older adults, men, and those with encephalopathy. Future studies should examine potential pathways between clinical and sociodemographic characteristics and AD/ADRD among PWH. Copyright (c) 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.