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CD4-cell recovery is slower in HIV patients as they get older, and the risk of progression to an AIDS diagnosis is higher for adults over age 50, according to a study in the October 21 issue of the journal AIDS.

HIV patients over age 50 posted an average 36.9-cell rebound after six months of antiretroviral therapy, compared to a 42.9-cell increase in patients under 50. The risk of disease progression was almost 50% higher in patients over 50 during a five-year follow-up period, as was the risk for developing an AIDS-defining illness.

Surprisingly, the older patients were more likely to achieve undetectable viral levels than the younger patients, according to the study. But the poorer immune-system recovery makes them more prone to HIV disease progression and AIDS-related complications, the researchers conclude.