New research used multidomain function assessment to better understand the physical and cognitive functioning of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The pilot study found a high prevalence of impairment in SLE patients, similar to or exceeding the prevalence seen in the general geriatric population. Patients scored lower for lower body strength and low average for cognitive flexibility and attention…
How Depression Affects the Cognitive Profile of Fibromyalgia Patients
New research evaluated the effect of depression on the cognition of fibromyalgia patients, finding that these patients have a distinct cognitive profile. Researchers note that emotional symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, are essential to the cognitive performance of fibromyalgia patients and that treating these symptoms may reduce cognitive impairment…
Lupus & Cognitive Dysfunction: No Apparent Link to Inflammation
Does cognitive dysfunction in SLE patients result from persistent inflammation characterized by ongoing disease activity? Recent research examining this question found no inflammatory mechanism associated with cognitive dysfunction in this patient population, underscoring previous research findings…
Pinpoint Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Lupus
More than 80% of SLE patients experience some type of neurologic manifestation during their disease course. The challenge for rheumatologists and other clinicians lies in appropriately diagnosing any cognitive dysfunctions that accompany lupus and better understanding the causes and risk factors of those dysfunctions. “Cognitive Function in SLE” was the focus of a talk at the 2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting in November.