RA Patients Living Easier than those Diagnosed Two Decades Ago: Study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects parts of the body that include the small joints of the hands and feet. In particular, this health issue creates inflammation in the lining of the joints that can create painful swelling that may eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. And it's estimated that approximately 50 million people in the United States alone suffer from this problem, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Fortunately, there is good news. Recent research reveals that those diagnosed with RA today are living easier and less complicated lives than patients diagnosed two decades ago due to many improved treatments, including options for early therapy intervention, use of biologics, and more intensive therapy that's helped to reduce disease activity.

"Earlier diagnosis, more intensive interventions along with recommendations to live a full life and to be physically active may help improve daily living for those with RA," lead author, Cécile L. Overman, a Ph.D. Candidate with the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University in The Netherlands said, via a press release. "Our study examined if psychological distress and physical disability in RA patients reduced over the last two decades."

Study authors recruited 1,151 individuals who had been newly diagnosed with RA between 1990 and 2011. Participants involved in the study were between the ages of 17 and 86 years of age with 68 percent being female. Each participant was assessed at the time of diagnosis and monitored for following three to five years.

The study's findings suggest that after the first four years of treatment 20 years ago, 23 percent of RA patients reported anxiety, 25 percent were depressed and 53 percent showed signs of physical disability compared to 12 percent, 14 percent and 31 percent by today's standards.

Along with technological and medical advances, the reduction in issues regarding the health problem may also be due to reduced disease activity in general.

"Our study determined that currently, 1 out of 4 newly diagnosed RA patients are disabled after the first four years of treatment; while 20 years ago, that figure was higher at 2 out of 4 patients," concludes Overman, via the release. "Today, RA patients have a better opportunity of living a valued life than patients diagnosed with this autoimmune disease two decades ago."

Do you or someone you know suffer from RA? And what are the symptoms you've experienced? Please share in the comments below. 

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Arthritis Care & Research.