Resting state network connectivity alterations in HIV: Parallels with aging

The increasing incidence of age‐related comorbidities in people with HIV (PWH) has led to accelerated aging theories. Functional neuroimaging research, including functional connectivity (FC) using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI), has identified neural aberrations related to HIV infection. Yet little is known about the relationship between aging and resting‐state FC in PWH. This study included 86 virally suppressed PWH and 99 demographically matched controls spanning 22–72 years old who underwent rs‐fMRI. The independent and interactive effects of HIV and aging on FC were investigated both within‐ and between‐network using a 7‐network atlas. The relationship between HIV‐related cognitive deficits and FC was also examined. We also conducted network‐based statistical analyses using a brain anatomical atlas (n = 512 regions) to ensure similar results across independent approaches. We found independent effects of age and HIV in between‐network FC. The age‐related increases in FC were widespread, while PWH displayed further increases above and beyond aging, particularly between‐network FC of the default‐mode and executive control networks. The results were overall similar using the regional approach. Since both HIV infection and aging are associated with independent increases in between‐network FC, HIV infection may be associated with a reorganization of the major brain networks and their functional interactions in a manner similar to aging.