A new study shows that autoimmune diseases are rising quickly in people over 50. Doctors say this is because the immune system changes as we age. These changes make the body attack itself, causing illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes.
Health experts warn that common problems like fatigue, joint pain, rashes, or brain fog could be signs of an autoimmune disease, not just normal aging. Many people do not realize they have these diseases because the symptoms are similar to other age-related problems.
Research from the Mayo Clinic found that diagnoses of autoimmune diseases increase sharply after age 50 and continue to rise after 65. One reason is “inflammaging,” a low-level inflammation that happens naturally with age. This inflammation can confuse the immune system and trigger attacks on healthy cells.
Other factors include genetics, lifestyle, infections, hormone changes, gut health, stress, and even previous COVID-19 infections. Women are more likely to develop these diseases later in life, partly due to changes in the immune system after pregnancy and menopause.
Scientists are working on better tests to detect these diseases early. Some are using new blood tests to find warning signs in the immune system. Others are developing ways to strengthen regulatory T cells, which help prevent the immune system from attacking the body.
New treatments are also emerging. One device uses mild electrical pulses to reduce inflammation and has helped patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Doctors say prevention is difficult. Healthy habits like exercise, good sleep, stress control, and a balanced diet may help reduce inflammation, but they cannot completely stop autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Cornelia Weyand from the Mayo Clinic said, “Even if we try to improve the immune system, there is still a risk of autoimmune disease.”
Researchers hope that by understanding how aging affects the immune system, they can detect and treat autoimmune diseases earlier and help more people live healthier lives.
