The prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly in developed countries and its evolution over time.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims at evaluating the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly and its evolution over time.


METHODS
We present a systematic international literature review of the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly and its evolution over time.


RESULTS
The estimated current prevalence of rheumatic diseases among people aged 65 and more varies between 41% and 53%, and is similar to estimated prevalence rates in studies performed before 1990 (35-55%). The prevalence is high and seems to increase rapidly with age. Furthermore, women suffer more frequently from rheumatic diseases than men.


CONCLUSIONS
The selected studies included a large range of methods, making comparisons difficult. However, estimates of the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly appear to be homogeneous in different countries and stable since 1980.
Mariller
Marjorie M
MM
Institut Universitaire de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Lausanne, Switzerland. mmm2127@columbia.edu
Santos-Eggimann
Brigitte
B
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors