Even if you’re older, you could still develop lupus.
Who Gets Late-Onset Lupus?
Most studies define late-onset lupus as beginning at age 50,but there is no consensus on this.
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Some doctors think the term should apply only when lupus develops in people over age 65 or even older.
Research shows that anywhere between 4% and 25% of lupus patients have late-onset lupus.
Lack of agreement on the age cut-off could help to explain why this range is so large.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
The incidence of late-onset lupus may also be underestimated by some.
Both women and men can get late-onset lupus.
Caucasians may be more likely to have late-onset lupus than African Americans and Hispanics.
It is often misdiagnosed as drug-induced SLE or a differentrheumatic disease.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Treatment
The options for your lupus medications are the same regardless of your age of onset.
However, if you have late-onset lupus, you may need different dosages than younger lupus patients.
This will depend on your other medications and your health status, including other health conditions you may have.
Older adults with lupus may present with different symptoms.
Studies have revealed conflicting findings as to whether late-onset lupus is a more benign disease.
2018;5:161. doi:10.3389/fmed.2018.00161
Late-onset Lupus: Facts and Fiction.
Late Onset Lupus Fact Sheet.
Lupus Foundation of America.
