HIV treatment advances shift risk perception and impact long-term health

Advances in medical science have transformed HIV from a fatal condition into a manageable chronic disease. The availability of antiretroviral therapies (ART) allows patients to achieve undetectable viral loads, meaning they cannot transmit the virus sexually. However, this progress has led to a decline in preventive measures, such as condom use, among both young people and adults over 50.

While treatments improve longevity, they do not eliminate the latent viral reservoir. This persistence can lead to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), which affects the central nervous system. HAND manifests in levels ranging from asymptomatic impairment to dementia, significantly impacting the quality of life and employment prospects for those living with the virus.