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fibromyalgia in the elderly
Etiology:
- risk factors
a) lower level of formal education
b) less physical activity
- association with diseases that limit physical activity
c) depression
d) disability
Epidemiology:
1) prevalence increases with age
a) highest prevalence 60-79 years of age
b) > 7% of women 60-79 years of age
2) more common in women
a) 5.9% in women > 80 years of age
b) 1.1% in men > 80 years of age
Clinical manifestations:
1) generalized somatic complaints
2) irritable bowel syndrome
3) irritable bladder syndrome
4) headaches
5) symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome
6) fatigue
7) neuralgias/arthralgias
8) anxiety/depression
9) restless legs syndrome
Management:
1) avoid costly testing
2) avoid overtreatment (opiates, steroids, NSAIDs)
- exception is tramadol [2]
3) patient education
4) exercise, stretching
5) treat depression
6) cognitive behavioral therapy
7) see fibromyalgia
General
fibromyalgia syndrome (fibromyositis, fibrositis)
geriatric disorder; disease of old age; geriatric syndrome
References
- Weiner S, In: UCLA Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine
& Board Review, Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 12-15, 2001
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 19
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2022