Autoimmune Diseases and You

There might be a major conflict within your body or the body of a loved one. When a person has an autoimmune disease, they have a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks your body. 

Your body is usually on guard, protecting us from the dangers of a virus or infection. When the body senses danger it goes to war as white blood cells produce antibodies to attack the invading virus or infection. However, when you suffer from an autoimmune disease, the opposite happens as antibodies attack healthy tissues instead of the harmful ones.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, there are more than eighty conditions that occur due to the immune system attacking your own organs, tissues, and cells. These diseases are chronic and debilitating. The result is high medical costs, reduced quality of life, and long-term care placing a burden on individuals and their families. 

What are the Symptoms?

Most autoimmune diseases cause redness, heat, pain, and swelling and can often affect more than one part of the body. Symptoms will vary depending on which parts of the body are being affected by the disease. 

It seems that autoimmune diseases are getting more common. In a study published April 2020 in Arthritis and Rheumatology, the researchers found that the most common biomarker of autoimmunity had significantly increased in the United States overall, particularly in certain groups. These groups include males, non-Hispanic whites, adults 50 years and older, and adolescents. 

Dr. Frederick Miller, deputy chief of the Clinical Research Branch at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of NIH, says it is unclear why these biomarkers are increasing but could suggest a future increase in autoimmune disease.

"These findings could help us understand more about the causes of these immune abnormalities and possibly learn what drives (the) development of autoimmune diseases and how to prevent them," Dr. Miller explained.

The National Institutes of Health share some of the most common symptoms of autoimmune diseases:

• Joint pain and stiffness.
• Thyroid problems that can cause a person to be tired, experience weight gain, and have muscle aches.
• Skin rashes, blisters, and changes in skin color.

More Than 80 Autoimmune Diseases are Known to Science

According to research, women get autoimmune diseases at a rate of about 2 to 1 compared to men. There are more than 80 known autoimmune diseases known to science. 

Nearly 4% of the world's population is affected by one or more of these conditions. Some of the most common autoimmune diseases include:

•  Addison disease
•  Autoimmune Hepatitis 
•  Celiac disease  
•  Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
•  Fibromyalgia  
•  Grave's disease  
•  Guillain-Barre syndrome  
•  Hashimoto thyroiditis  
•  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)  
•  Multiple Sclerosis (MS)  
•  Myasthenia Gravis  
•  Pernicious anemia  
•  Psoriasis  
•  Reactive arthritis  
•  Rheumatoid arthritis  
•  Sjogren’s syndrome  
•  Systemic Lupus Erythematosus  
•  Type 1 diabetes mellitus  

See a complete list - Autoimmune Disease List • AARDA 

Autoimmune Diseases and Aging: A Growing Concern

The connection between autoimmune disease and aging is something researchers are still working to fully understand — but the trend lines are clear and concerning. Autoimmune cases appear to be rising sharply, particularly among people over 50. Cases are roughly 50 percent higher in older adults than they were 25 years ago. Researchers point to possible contributing factors including greater exposure to chemicals and processed foods, sedentary lifestyles and obesity. 

A Global Burden of Disease analysis covering 204 countries found that age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates for rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes increased notably among adults 60 and older from 1990 to 2021, with projections showing continued increases through 2035. 

The relationship between aging and the immune system is more nuanced than it might appear, though. As you get older, your immune system doesn't simply weaken in a straight line. Older adults actually show higher levels of autoimmunity and autoantibodies — but not necessarily higher rates of clinically active autoimmune disease. Researchers believe this may be partly explained by protective regulatory mechanisms that become more active with age, including increased production of peripheral T-regulatory cells.

What does increase with age is vulnerability to the triggers that can set autoimmune disease in motion or make existing conditions worse. Older adults face greater susceptibility to the bacterial and viral infections that can provoke immune flares — creating a cycle that becomes harder to manage over time.

People with autoimmune conditions are also more likely to have other health problems simultaneously. Johns Hopkins University has noted that autoimmune diseases often cluster in families, with multiple members sometimes affected by different conditions. Genetics plays a role, but researchers emphasize it is far from the only factor.

No Cure — But Treatment Options Are Expanding

There is currently no cure for any autoimmune disease. The goal of treatment is to control the immune system's misdirected attacks, reduce inflammation and protect affected organs and tissues from further damage — ideally before disability sets in.

Most autoimmune conditions are managed with steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs and biologics — medications derived from living organisms that can treat conditions such as psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Depending on the condition and its severity, treatment can meaningfully reduce pain and preserve function, though it rarely eliminates the underlying disease entirely. 

The field is moving quickly, however, and emerging therapies may soon redefine what's possible.

Recent advances in stem cell therapies, CAR T-cell therapies, targeted protein degradation and nucleotide-based treatments hold the promise of drug-free remission — and potentially even cures — by focusing precisely on the immune cells driving the damage, rather than broadly suppressing the entire immune system. 

One landmark early case came from Germany, where a research team treated a severely ill young woman with lupus using CAR-T cell therapy. After a single infusion, she has been in remission without any other medication since March 2021. The team has since treated several dozen additional patients with conditions including myositis and scleroderma, with few relapses reported. 

Among the therapies used to calm an overactive immune response, IG therapy has become an important option for patients with conditions like CIDP, myasthenia gravis, and lupus. By delivering pooled antibodies from healthy donors, it helps regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, offering symptom relief when standard treatments fall short or cause unwanted side effects.

"The evidence strengthens the data on the effectiveness of IVIG in Guillain-Barré syndrome, CIDP, myasthenia gravis, dermatomyositis, and stiff-person syndrome," said Dr. Marinos C. Dalakas, MD, FAAN, professor of neurology and director of the neuromuscular division at Thomas Jefferson University, commenting in Neurology Today on updated guidelines from the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.

These approaches remain largely experimental and are not yet widely available. But they represent a meaningful shift in the direction of autoimmune research — from managing symptoms toward addressing the root cause. 3In the meantime, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder or suspects symptoms, seeing a doctor promptly matters. Left untreated, many autoimmune conditions progress — reducing mobility, independence and quality of life in ways that become much harder to reverse.

Autoimmune Disease Can Lead to Needing Long-Term Care

The long-term trajectory of autoimmune disease is something most people don't think about at diagnosis — but planning ahead can make an enormous difference. Chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and lupus don't just cause short-term discomfort. Over years and decades, they can progressively erode the ability to manage daily tasks independently — bathing, dressing, preparing meals, moving safely through your home. When that happens, professional long-term care services become necessary, and the costs are substantial.

Long-term care costs are largely not covered by traditional health insurance or Medicare. Medicaid does provide benefits, but only after you've spent down most of your income and assets to qualify. Long-Term Care Insurance can cover a broad range of services — home care, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing — but it must be purchased before you need it, and your health at the time of application matters significantly.

👉 Long-Term Care Insurance Learning Center

If you already have an autoimmune condition, you may or may not qualify for Long-Term Care Insurance depending on the type, severity and how well it's been managed. Underwriting criteria vary across carriers, and some conditions are viewed more favorably than others. Speaking with a specialist who understands the underwriting standards at each major company is essential — a Long-Term Care Insurance specialist can help identify which carriers may still offer coverage and at what cost.

The ideal time to plan is in your 40s or 50s, when you're more likely to still qualify medically and premiums are more affordable. Waiting until symptoms worsen — or until a diagnosis disqualifies you — leaves far fewer options. Use the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator to see what care services currently cost in your area. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Autoimmune Diseases, Aging, and Long-Term Care

What is an autoimmune disease?

An autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, organs, or cells instead of protecting your body from infections and viruses. More than 80 autoimmune diseases have been identified, affecting millions of people worldwide.

What are the most common autoimmune diseases?

Some of the most common autoimmune diseases include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Lupus
• Psoriasis
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Graves' disease
• Type 1 diabetes
• Celiac disease
• Sjögren's syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

These conditions can affect different organs and body systems and vary widely in severity.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Symptoms vary depending on the disease but often include:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Skin rashes or discoloration
• Swelling and inflammation
• Weight changes
• Thyroid-related symptoms

Because symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a medical evaluation is important for an accurate diagnosis.

Are autoimmune diseases becoming more common?

Research suggests autoimmune-related biomarkers have increased in the United States, particularly among adults age 50 and older. Scientists continue to study the reasons, but environmental exposures, lifestyle changes, obesity, and other factors may contribute to the trend.

Why are autoimmune diseases a concern for older adults?

As you age, your immune system changes. Older adults may be more vulnerable to infections and immune system disruptions that can trigger autoimmune flare-ups or worsen existing conditions. Many autoimmune diseases can also become more difficult to manage over time.

Are autoimmune diseases hereditary?

Genetics can play a role. Autoimmune diseases often cluster within families, although family members may develop different autoimmune conditions. Genetics alone do not determine whether someone will develop an autoimmune disease. Environmental and lifestyle factors also contribute.

Is there a cure for autoimmune diseases?

Currently, there is no cure for most autoimmune diseases. Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation, managing symptoms, reducing immune system attacks, and preserving organ function. Researchers are studying promising new therapies that may offer long-term remission or potential cures in the future.

What treatments are available today?

Treatment options may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroids
• Biologic therapies
• Disease-modifying drugs
• Lifestyle modifications
• Physical therapy

Your treatment plan depends on the specific autoimmune condition and its severity.

Can autoimmune diseases lead to disability?

Yes. Some autoimmune diseases can progressively affect mobility, strength, cognition, and the ability to perform everyday activities. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus may eventually require ongoing assistance with daily living tasks.

Can autoimmune diseases increase the need for long-term care?

Yes. As autoimmune diseases progress, some people may need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, transferring, meal preparation, and medication management. Depending on the condition, care may be provided at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility.

Does Medicare pay for long-term care caused by autoimmune disease?

Generally, no. Medicare and traditional health insurance primarily cover medical treatment and limited skilled care. They do not pay for ongoing custodial long-term care services that many people eventually require due to chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Can someone with an autoimmune disease still qualify for Long-Term Care Insurance?

Possibly. Eligibility depends on:

• The specific autoimmune condition
• Severity of symptoms
• Current treatment
• Disease stability
• Overall health history

Some individuals with well-managed autoimmune conditions can still qualify, while others may face underwriting challenges. Carrier guidelines (Long-Term Care Insurance underwriting) vary significantly.

What should I do if I think I have an autoimmune disease?

Schedule an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help control symptoms, prevent complications, preserve independence, and improve long-term quality of life.