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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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Addressing risk factors of cognitive impairment in adults aging with HIV
— a social work model | | Author(s) | David E Vance, Thomas C Struzick |
| Journal title | Journal of Gerontological Social Work, vol 49, no 4, 2007 |
| Pages | pp 51-78 |
| Source | http://www.tandfonline.com |
| Keywords | AIDS ; Cognitive impairment ; Social work ; Therapy. |
| Annotation | With advances in life-extending medications and later-life infections, the number of older people with HIV is increasing. Unfortunately, the synergistic effects of ageing with HIV may place many people at risk of developing cognitive impairments which can disrupt everyday functioning. Fortunately, cognitive reserve may be maintained, or in some cases, improved, by taking action to prevent or mitigate such loss. Preventative and treatment strategies that support biopsychosocial aspect of cognition include reducing alcohol and substance use or abuse; improving nutrition; diminishing the effects of comorbidities; increasing social contact; reducing depression and stress levels; engaging in cognitively stimulating activities; applying cognitive remediation therapies; and incorporating psychopharmacological interventions. Such strategies can improve the brain's physiological integrity and health, thus supporting neuroplasticity and increasing cognitive reserve. Social workers are in a favourable position to recognise cognitive decline in clients and recommend or administer solutions to tackle such problems. A model for social workers advocating for older clients with HIV who have cognitive problems is provided. (RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-071126218 A |
| Classmark | CQTT: E4: IG: LO |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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