AIDS in the elderly: a case and its implications.

Although acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains relatively uncommon in the elderly, there are serious and unique implications associated with the diagnosis of AIDS in this age group. The most common mode of transmission is transfusion. With the growing number of elderly, an increase in AIDS in the elderly will occur despite improved screening methods. Dementia is a serious morbidity associated with AIDS in the elderly, which presents considerable diagnostic and ethical dilemmas. A case is presented which illustrates the geriatric multidisciplinary team approach to the care of a 90-year-old man with AIDS.