Which demographic is most commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis?

Females under the age of 40 are indeed the demographic most commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This autoimmune disorder predominantly impacts women, with statistics indicating that approximately 70% of RA patients are female. The onset typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, making it quite prevalent in younger women within that age range.

Rheumatoid arthritis often begins with systemic symptoms and can lead to chronic inflammation of joints, significantly affecting quality of life. Recognizing that the female population experiences a higher incidence helps in tailoring screening and treatment options effectively.

The other demographic profiles provided either indicate groups with lower incidence rates, such as males over the age of 50 who do develop RA but at a much lesser frequency compared to younger women, or suggest a different pattern of distribution that doesn’t align with the established epidemiological understanding of the disease.