Our Research
Research Overview
The Arthritis Community Research & Epidemiology Unit (ACREU) is carrying out a program of research to understand the nature of arthritis and understand the impact of arthritis, including associated needs and gaps, at the individual and population level.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis and related conditions comprise a large group of disorders affecting the joints, ligaments, tendons, bones and other components of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system.1
Why study arthritis?
-
Approximately one in five Canadians (about 6 million people) aged 15 and older have some form of arthritis or other rheumatic condition. Nearly 60% of those affected are women. More than half of Canadians affected by arthritis are less than 65 years of age.2
-
Arthritis is a leading cause of long-term physical disability.3
-
The proportion of Canadians aged 15 years and older with arthritis is projected to be about 1 in 4 by 2040 – more than 9 million Canadians.2
-
Arthritis research can be used as a model for studying other chronic conditions and disorders associated with aging and, therefore, may have broader implications for other chronic diseases.