Lifetime Stress and Aging

People living with HIV (PLWH) often report concerns about cognitive problems.  In fact, over 50% of PLWH report cognitive issues. African Americans PLWH tend to have worse cognitive and health outcomes as compared to non-Hispanic white American PLWH, but the reasons for this are not clear.  It is well-known that lifetime exposure to stress, including racism and stigma, which is common among PLWH and African Americans, influences cognitive outcomes. 

This lifetime stress and aging study is examining the role of lifetime stress in HIV-related outcomes among African Americans and non-Hispanic whites.  We have recruited over 300 adults aged 50 and older.  Study findings have potential to explain how lifetime stress influences biological processes that are involved in cognitive and health outcomes among PLWH.