title: Rheumatoid arthritis and the older adult.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the second most common rheumatic disease after osteoarthritis, but it is the most destructive to synovial joints. RA can be defined as a chronic, progressive, systemic, inflammatory disease of connective tissue characterized by spontaneous remissions and exacerbations (flare-ups). Unlike osteoarthritis, it involves primary tissue inflammation rather than joint degeneration. Although most individuals develop RA in early to middle adulthood, some experience a late onset RA (LORA) in their older years. The onset may be acute and severe or slow and insidious, making diagnosis difficult and often delayed. Regardless of the age at onset, RA affects many older adults in both community and inpatient settings and presents a challenge for nursing care.
authors: DI Associates Inc. in Hughesville, MD, USA.
authors: D D
authors: DD
authors: Ignatavicius
mesh_terms: D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents