Polymyalgia rheumatica is most commonly seen in which demographic?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is predominantly observed in older adults, typically affecting individuals over the age of 50. The condition is characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and hips, and it is associated with systemic symptoms such as fatigue and malaise. The exact cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to inflammatory processes, and its prevalence increases with age.

In contrast, younger adults and children are less likely to develop this condition, as it is not commonly associated with those age groups. Middle-aged adults may experience some musculoskeletal issues, but they do not have the same incidence rates for this specific inflammatory disorder as older adults do. Consequently, recognizing that polymyalgia rheumatica is primarily a condition affecting older individuals helps in understanding the demographic characteristics associated with it.