Researchers Find Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cognitive Decline
A team of researchers discovered a connection between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cognitive deficits, including memory loss, poor focus, and reduced abstract thinking. The study, published in the journal RMD Open, compared 70 RA patients with 70 healthy volunteers matched for age, sex, and education.
Nearly 72% of RA patients had moderate to high levels of inflammation despite treatment. All participants underwent cognitive tests and assessments of mood and quality of life. RA patients scored lower on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and had higher rates of cognitive impairment (60%) compared to volunteers (40%).
Factors like obesity and ongoing inflammation increased the risk of cognitive decline. The study suggests that RA’s chronic inflammation affects the brain, emphasizing the need for better treatment strategies to reduce cognitive impairment in RA patients.
| Factors | Risk |
|---|---|
| Obesity | 6 times higher |
| Inflammation | 2 times higher |
The researchers concluded that RA is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting multiple systems, including the brain, and called for earlier and more stringent control of RA activity.
Doubts Revealed
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) -: Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own joints, causing pain and swelling.
Cognitive Decline -: Cognitive decline means a decrease in mental abilities like memory, thinking, and focus.
Cognitive Deficits -: Cognitive deficits are problems with mental functions like remembering things, paying attention, and understanding complex ideas.
Abstract Thinking -: Abstract thinking is the ability to understand complex ideas that are not directly related to physical objects or experiences.
Obesity -: Obesity is when a person has too much body fat, which can lead to health problems.
Inflammation -: Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection, causing redness, swelling, and pain.
Cognitive Tests -: Cognitive tests are exams that measure how well someone can think, remember, and solve problems.
