Lupus in the Elderly

Lupus in the elderly refers to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease that can affect anyone but often presents differently in older adults. In older patients, symptoms may include skin rashes, joint pain, fatigue, and organ involvement. Diagnosis can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other age-related conditions. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups, often using medications that can't be prescribed as freely due to potential side effects in older individuals. Understanding and addressing these unique aspects of lupus are essential in geriatric rheumatology for improving patients' quality of life.