Clinical excellence for nurse practitioners : the international journal of NPACE
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Diagnosis of rheumatologic disorders in the elderly is often complicated by the primary care clinician's inability to differentiate among similar manifestations of rheumatologic disorders, the presence of comorbid conditions, and symptoms attributed simply to aging. A major consequence of the aches and pains associated with rheumatologic disorders, including polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), is the impedance of activities of daily living, potentially leading to a loss of independence. ⋯ Timely detection and appropriate treatment of PMR in the elderly may improve quality of life, as well as deter irreversible problems. Patient education also has an important role.