Our results showed an independent association between a lower LT-CD4+/CD8 + ratio and the presence of cognitive impairment. This finding is relevant and original, given that most of the previous research on this topic has mainly focused on younger adults with HIV, without specific attention to older people. Comparing the findings with the available literature, starting with the severity of cognitive impairment, what was observed is in line with the available literature focused on HAND. [31] ANI was by far the most common category of impairment, followed by MND [32], which could also explain the observed mean MMSE values for the population, as well as their functional status (ADL assessment). Regarding the association between a lower LT-CD4+/CD8 + ratio and cognitive impairment, it is also consistent with studies of younger populations. For instance, a study of 200 patients > 18 years [mean age 52 (SD 10.1) years] showed that a LT-CD4+/CD8 + ratio < 1 was independently associated with the presence of symptomatic cognitive impairment. [23] On the other hand, T. Le, et al, reported in a longitudinal study that negative changes over time in the LT-CD4+/CD8 + ratio were associated with worse performance in specific cognitive domains, such as processing speed. [22] Similarly, a cohort of 86 people aged > 18 years reported a longitudinal correlation between the decrease in the LT-CD4/CD8 ratio and the degree of cognitive impairment. [21] Our results can be seen as complementary to those published in this area, as none of the previous studies focused on older persons.
From a physiological perspective, this association can be explained by the relationship that has been observed between an inverted LT-CD4+/CD8 + ratio (i.e., a proxy of immune dysfunction) and the presence of inflammation, including in the central nervous system. [17] By having a robust correlation with markers of underlying inflammation (and its drivers), even in individuals on treatment goals, the ratio could capture a part of the risk factors leading to cognitive impairment or to neurodegenerative processes. [33, 34] Consistent with this, the significant association with cognitive impairment in our study was observed in persons with the worst LT-CD4+/CD8 + ratios, and probably with an unfavorable underlying immune/inflammatory profile. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that multiple other conditions (including genetic, environmental, psycho-social, and age-related) will also play a role in the development of this outcome. Although these other conditions play an active role in the development of cognitive impairment, having a readily available marker that is associated with some of its determinants (in this case underlying inflammation or immune dysfunction) may help us to identify vulnerable populations in busy clinics and thus address as many of the potentially modifiable factors as possible, by involving geriatric medicine in the care of this population. [35, 36] In this sense, it could also help to further assess people even if they are at treatment goals, without necessarily adding supplementary studies.
This study has several limitations, the main one being its cross-sectional design, which precludes establishing a causal relationship, highlighting the need for subsequent longitudinal research in this population to establish the role of the ratio as a predictor of cognitive impairment. Although the sample size is relatively small, it is important to note that it is comparable to other previously published studies in this field. Likewise, being a single-center study, the results may not be representative of our general population. Another point to consider is that most HAND cases were ANI. Although this is an asymptomatic state that is usually only identified in clinical studies by neuropsychological assessment, there is evidence that it may also be a factor that increases the risk of progression to symptomatic forms of HAND, and therefore, a target for intervention by comprehensive brain health strategies. [37, 38]
However, several strengths should be highlighted, such as its specific focus and design on OAWH. In addition, a robust and standardized assessment of cognitive impairment was used. Our results represent an original contribution to the field and provide a useful message for the clinic, indicating that simple to collect markers can help us detect vulnerable groups and thus encourage the involvement of specialists in aging in order to address potentially modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment. In the absence of highly efficient and specific treatments for cognitive impairment in general, targeting factors that have a negative impact on brain aging trajectories remains one of the best strategies we can offer in the care of OPWH.