The study identifies impairments in visuospatial abilities, memory recall, abstract reasoning, and executive functions such as working memory, attention, and self-control.
Although inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis has been associated with various systemic effects, including brain involvement, this study seeks to pinpoint which cognitive functions are specifically impacte
Among the patients with rheumatoid arthritis, nearly 72% (49 people) exhibited moderate to high systemic inflammation, as shown by protein levels and joint inflammation, despite ongoing treatment. On average, these patients had been living with the disease for 10.5 years.
All 140 participants completed extensive neurological and psychological evaluations, including various validated cognitive assessments, along with mood and quality of life evaluations from June 2022 to June 2023.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation Associated With Particular Cognitive Deficits
The study evaluated various cognitive functions, including the ability to process and organize visuospatial information, naming, attention, language, abstract thinking, delayed recall, orientation, and executive functions like working memory, concentration, and inhibition.
Cognitive impairment was defined as a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score below 26 out of 30.
Researchers also collected information on other potential risk factors, including age, sex, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, obesity, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and a history of cardiovascular disease or stroke.
Individuals with cognitive impairment showed more intense and sustained inflammation than those whose cognitive functions remained intact. They also experienced higher rates of depression and diminished physical capacity.
Obesity emerged as the most significant risk factor, increasing the likelihood of cognitive impairment nearly six times, followed by persistent inflammation, which doubled the risk. Additionally, older age and lower educational levels were also linked to a greater risk, similar to patterns seen in the broader population.
The researchers conclude, “These findings reinforce the notion that rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects multiple systems, including neural tissue.
They highlight the necessity for more effective control of arthritis activity and the development of novel therapeutic approaches to address related factors, aiming to lower the risk of cognitive impairments in those with rheumatoid arthritis.”
More Details:
Natalia Mena-Vázquez et al., Effects of Inflammation on Cognitive Function in Patients with Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, RMD Open (2024). DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2024-004422
By: British Medical Journal
Citation:
Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Inflammation Tied to Specific Cognitive Deficits (2024, July 29)
Accessed July 30, 2024
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