PMR appears in people with Commonalities, by chance?

Interesting. Anyone else show an Epstein Barr virus?
My blood tests were always perfect, but when the crippling flare-up came out of nowhere, I had elevated elvated CRP (not seds) and evidence of an Epstein Barr virus. They told me I had mono in my life. Pretty sure it was last November, 3 months before the PMR shoed up.
Can anyone else relate?

genetic commonalities--northern European genes especially Scandinavian. High level of Neanderthal snippets in genetic makeup also. Elderly with youthful immune system.

Interesting; I haven’t heard of the last two associations. Is there a source where I can read more?

My DNA was always Northern European (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland) with my grandparents speaking those languages. My rheumatologist handed me a PMR printed sheet that included that information with a note that a virus/bacteria (environmental factor) may also play a part in PMR.

However, ten years before the PMR, my ophthalmology group told me that I needed cataract surgery. That was strange since I didn't have traditional cataract symptoms.
Apparently, I have Scandinavian DNA too because the group informed me I had to have my cataracts taken out early. In Sweden especially -my kind of cataracts) - could cause blindness- macular degeneration (like my dad had at age 58 or 59 and had to retire as an experimental machinist for Bendix Aviation).

After 18 months of severe PMR I have developed GCA- Giant Cell Arteritis. I'm in that small minority of PMR "survivors" with my DNA who can go blind, have a stroke or aneurysm... I am on 50 mg of Prednisone (started at 60) and start Actemra infusions next week.

I suspect in time there will be more research done on both of these diseases.
That's what I have learned so far as to the cause.

Here are a few mentions:

The persistence of Neanderthal DNA in the modern human gene pool demonstrates adaptive introgression, the process of gaining beneficial genetic material from another species. For modern humans expanding into Eurasia, these borrowed genes offered a shortcut to adaptation. Acquiring pre-adapted genes was much faster than waiting for new mutations to arise and spread.

The advantages in the past were clear. A more aggressive immune response helped fend off local infections. Genes that promoted faster blood clotting were beneficial for surviving injuries from hunting or other daily hazards. Similarly, changes in skin pigmentation may have helped optimize vitamin D production in regions with less sunlight.

This ancient inheritance has led to an “evolutionary mismatch” in the modern world. Traits that were once advantageous can have neutral or negative consequences in current lifestyles. For instance, an immune system calibrated for constant pathogenic threats can become over-reactive in our sterile environments, contributing to allergies and autoimmune disorders.
https://biologyinsights.com/the-modern-neanderthal-genetic-traits-inherited-from-dna
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The good, the bad, and Neanderthalic immunity

Abstract
Introgression with archaic hominins and subsequent natural selection has shaped the immune system of modern humans. Recently, Sun et al. investigated the immunity advantages of a Neanderthalic variant in the membrane-bound immunoglobulin G1 (IGHG1) gene, activating pathogen-specific antibody production toward modern threats yet conversely increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168952524002610
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https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/330815-overview
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Originally posted Feb. 13, 2023; reposted in conjunction with publication of the PMR supplement to the February 2024 issue of The Rheumatologist.
PHILADELPHIA—Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a chronic inflammatory condition that almost exclusively affects individuals older than 50

An interesting Mayo Clinic research study relevant to this thread:
https://www.lifespan.io/news/an-overly-youthful-immune-system-might-cause-autoimmunity/

It's very common. I think 90% plus of the population have had some EBV and many without any symptoms.

Yes!
I believe Epstein Barr, had a huge influence on getting PMR, also long Covid before that.

This is an interesting study, exploring the hypothesis that people with GCA have an overactive, "youthful" ,immune system for their age. They found a similar type of immune system in people who made it past 100 years old. My father had PMR and GCA. These were the only serious health problems that he had until shortly before his death at 103. At his 100th birthday party people commented that he looked like he was in his 80's. Apparently an overactive immune system might keep cancer and infections at bay, but put you at risk for autoimmune diseases. If you can make it through PMR and GCA without the side effects of the drugs killing you, you MIGHT have a long, fairly healthy life!

I just shared the article with my physician, an internist by trade. She has noted in her own practice high HDL was a factor in long lives as well.
When I was a little kid I predicted that I would live to be 104 (almost). If high HDL and “youthful” immune systems are indicators, I am highly motivated to live healthfully! My physician cautioned me to keep my ADDED sugars to 25 mg/day, citing sugar as the cause of many maladies.