Global, regional, and national burden and trends of rheumatoid arthritis among the elderly population: an analysis based on the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study

Between 1990 and 2021, the global burden of rheumatoid arthritis in the elderly population increased. The High SDI region experienced the highest disease burden. In contrast, the Low and Low-middle SDI regions showed the most rapid growth in disease burden. Females exhibited a higher burden compared to males, with the highest burden observed in the 65-69 age group. Early diagnosis and treatment in elderly patients are essential to mitigating adverse outcomes and reducing the burden.