#ACR24 Abstracts: Cognitive Dysfunction

Adapting and Testing a Cognitive Rehabilitation Intervention Tailored for People with Systemic Sclerosis: Acceptability, Feasibility, & Impact on Health-related Outcomes

Cognitive dysfunction affects up to 87% of individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc), impairing daily activities and exacerbating symptoms like pain, fatigue, and depression. 

An 8-week online cognitive rehabilitation intervention was tested to improve cognitive function and self-management in people with SSc. It showed promise but needs a larger trial to confirm its effectiveness. More research like this is needed for chronic conditions.I see this is such a huge gap in Rheumatology research and I hope to see more like this in the near future for all RMDs!

Cognitive Impairment Prevalence and Most Affected Domains in Patients with SLE by the ACR Comprehensive Neuropsychological Battery

The study investigates the prevalence and domains of cognitive impairment in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Comprehensive Neuropsychological Battery. It found that cognitive impairment is common among SLE patients, affecting multiple cognitive domains such as memory, attention, and executive function. The study highlights the importance of early cognitive assessment and intervention in SLE patients to improve their quality of life.

Biobehavioral Basis and Outcomes of Cognitive Dysfunction in Childhood Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The study investigates the biobehavioral basis and outcomes of cognitive dysfunction in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It examines how neuroinflammatory processes, reflected by choroid plexus (CP) volume and brain metabolites, contribute to cognitive dysfunction in these patients. The study found that patients with childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) demonstrated impaired performance on cognitive tasks and altered prefrontal cortex functionality compared to healthy controls. These findings highlight the importance of addressing cognitive dysfunction in cSLE to improve health-related quality of life.

Beyond the Symptoms: Exploring Cognitive Bias in Lupus Diagnosis Within Primary Care 

The study explores cognitive bias in lupus diagnosis within primary care settings. Researchers conducted a factorial survey experiment to evaluate how primary care providers' (PCPs) diagnoses of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) varied when all aspects of a clinical case were held constant, except for the patient's race and sex. The findings revealed that correct SLE diagnoses were influenced by the patient's race and sex, with Black females being most likely to receive a correct diagnosis.



 Self-Reported Cognitive Function Among Older Adults with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Compared to Older Adults with Other Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Conditions

This study compares self-reported cognitive function among older adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to those with other rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and fibromyalgia (FM). Key findings include that older adults with SLE reported significantly worse cognitive function compared to those with other conditions. Additionally, worse cognitive function in SLE patients was associated with poorer self-reported disease status.

Key Patient Takeaways

The 2024 American College of Rheumatology conference highlighted several studies investigating cognitive dysfunction in patients with rheumatic diseases. These findings underscore the importance of addressing cognitive health in this population

• Cognitive rehabilitation for systemic sclerosis: An 8-week online cognitive rehabilitation intervention showed promise in improving cognitive function and self-management in systemic sclerosis patients. Larger trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
• Cognitive impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): A study using the ACR Comprehensive Neuropsychological Battery found cognitive impairment is common in SLE patients, affecting multiple cognitive domains. Early cognitive assessment and intervention are crucial.
• Cognitive dysfunction in childhood-onset lupus: Researchers found patients with childhood-onset SLE demonstrated impaired cognitive performance and altered brain functionality compared to healthy controls. Early intervention is vital.
• Cognitive bias in lupus diagnosis: A study found that correct diagnoses of SLE in primary care were influenced by patient race and sex, highlighting the need for awareness and training to combat bias in diagnosis.
• Self-reported cognitive function in older SLE patients:Research found older adults with SLE reported significantly worse cognitive function compared to those with other rheumatic conditions. Providers should proactively assess cognitive function in older SLE patients.

These studies underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing rheumatic diseases that includes cognitive assessment and intervention. By working closely with their healthcare teams, patients can address cognitive dysfunction and improve their overall well-being.