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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Candace N. Porter, MS¹, James N. Laditka, DA, PhD, MPA², Carol B. Cornman, RN/PA¹, and Dorothy R. Davis, BA¹. (1) Office for the Study of Aging, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, 803-898-9956, portercn@gwm.sc.edu, (2) Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter St., Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC 29208

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has altered the course of AIDS dementia complex (ADC). Researchers generally agree that ADC incidence has declined since the introduction of HAART. However, estimates of ADC prevalence vary notably, in part due to small samples in existing studies. This analysis examined ADC prevalence using a statewide population-based registry of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Since 1988, the South Carolina Alzheimer's Disease Registry has identified 400 ADC cases; this study was based on 188 individuals living with ADC in 2003. US Census 2003 population estimates, and results from 2003 SC HIV/AIDS surveillance reports, were used for denominators. Of individuals living with ADC, 70% were African American (AA), 71% male, and 33% age 50 or over when first diagnosed. In the general population: ADC prevalence among AAs was 10.3 cases per 100,000, 5.3 times the prevalence among non-Hispanic whites (p<0.001); prevalence among men was 6.7 cases per 100,000, 2.7 times the prevalence among women (p<0.001). Prevalence was highest among those at ages 40-49, 10.9 cases per 100,000. Among those with HIV/AIDS: ADC prevalence among AAs was 13.4 per 1000, 1.3 times the prevalence among whites (p=0.1000); prevalence among men, 15.0 per 1000, did not differ significantly from that among women. Prevalence was highest among those over 50, with 74.8 cases per 1000. As individuals with HIV/AIDS live longer, it is useful to monitor ADC prevalence. Greater ADC prevalence among AAs with HIV/AIDS suggests the usefulness of studying whether AAs receive adequate access to current treatment regimens.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will

• Possess an enhanced knowledge of the prevalence of AIDS dementia complex.
• Be able to discuss racial and gender disparities in the prevalence of AIDS dementia complex.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No