Brief Communication: Frailty and Neurocognitive Impairment in Older People Living with HIV: A Cross-Sectional Study from Southeastern Brazil

Abstract Background : Frailty and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders are common but underrecognized in aging people living with HIV (PLWH) Methods : We conducted a cross-sectional study of 128 PLWH aged ≥ 50 years, using the Fried Frailty Phenotype and the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS). Results : Mean age was 59.6 years, and 57.8% were male. Frailty status, including 8.6% frail and 52.3% pre-frail, was associated with lower BMI (p = 0.035). Positive neurocognitive screening (57.8%) was associated with lower education, polypharmacy, and falls (32.4% vs. 13.0%; p = 0.011). Conclusions : Frailty and cognitive impairment are prevalent among aging PLWH; falls were significantly associated with positive neurocognitive screening.