Decline In Brain Function Is Linked To Other Medical Conditions Rather Than Ageing With HIV

A recent NAM article reported that the decrease in brain function seen in a 12-year study of people with HIV was worse than would be expected for typical ageing. This decrease was linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, depression, nerve pain and cannabis use. HIV itself did not appear to worsen brain function, nor was there a significant difference in brain function decline between different age groups.

Overall, 1597 people living with HIV were interviewed for this prospective study at six different US medical centres, between 2003-2007. Those with active opportunistic infections, major substance use problems or severe mental health issues were excluded, as this would have prevented them from undergoing a full day assessment. An average of 12.4 years later, 402 people were interviewed again to compare their brain function, medical conditions and medications after this time. Seven different types of tasks controlled by the brain such as memory and language, were tested in a 2-3 hour long interview to measure brain function. Bloods tests, medical examination, urine samples and spinal fluid samples were also completed at both appointments. Frailty assessments were only conducted at the second visit.

You can read the full article here.

LGBT History Month - Andrew On The Fight For Fertility Equality For People Living With HIV

Andrew is in his 30s and has been living with HIV for 13 years. He wants to have a child with his husband by donating his sperm to a surrogate, but under current law is unable to do so. As part of LGBT History Month, Andrew has written a blog for National Aids Trust in which he discusses why the law needs to change to reflect the advances in medicine, so that those living with HIV can start a family. 

You can read the full article here.

February 1^st 2023

Equal access to HIV medication across England

Following a recent procurement exercise by NHS England, which included consultations with people living with HIV, HIV support charities and drug companies, people living with HIV will now have equal access to HIV medication no matter where they live in the country – meaning that everyone will now be able to access the same range of medications and latest treatments, including the first long lasting injectable treatment which has now started to become available at HIV clinics.

In some regions, this means that some people will now have gained access to additional treatments which were not previously available to them.

As a result of this exercise, HIV clinicians will now undertake a review of patients’ medications.

Some clinicians have already started these reviews with their patients. These discussions are in line with national guidelines from BHIVA (British HIV Association) and BASHH (British Association for HIV and Sexual Health).

It is really important to note that you will be able to stay on your existing medication following any review done by your HIV clinician.

However, you may be given the opportunity to switch to a different medication – which in many cases will mean a generic version of your current branded one.

Generic versions of HIV medication contain the same active ingredients as branded versions and so are clinically the same. However, they are much cheaper than branded drugs.

It is also important to note that some HIV drugs will no longer be offered routinely by clinicians in the future.

The most important thing to remember is that nobody will have to change medication and no change in the medication prescribed to you should happen without an agreement between you and your HIV consultant.

If you want to talk about any concerns you might have about these changes please call us and we will be happy to advise you.

Colin Armstead, 10th October 2022

Black History Month 2022

Black History Month is a reminder of many atrocities against black folks especially in the West.

For most, it’s the evidence of racism in just about every sector, policing, housing, immigration, employment, religion, education, health, military, etc.

Black History Month provides us with the opportunity to do what is right and challenge ourselves, society, and the workforce about ensuring that the history of racial exploitation ends.

Black History Month is also about the authentic history of black and brown people in the West and especially in the UK.

A celebration of the immeasurable contributions of Black folks in the UK.

An opportunity to rewrite history and end the denial of the talents of Black people.  

It is therefore important to face the realities of equality, diversity, and inclusion now and the future, no matter how difficult and do everything we can to ensure that we break the chain of racial discrimination in our past, present, and future.   

Rev. Jide Macaulay

Chaplain, St Peter’s House Chaplaincy

Founder, House of Rainbow

Peer Mentor, George House Trust

12th October 2022