Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Memory: An Observational Case-control study

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common chronic inflammatory polyarthritis with a significant impact on the quality of life. It is usually not associated with the central nervous system and brain changes.so Neuropsychological impairment is not commonly associated with RA. However, recent studies have indicated that a link may exist between RA and cognitive impairment, but the prevalence rate was uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on memory. This case-control study included 130 consecutive RA patients compared with 130 healthy controls matched in age and sex. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Six-item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT) - Kingshill Version 2000 was used to assess the memory. RA patients had more memory impairment than controls [(47(69.1%) versus 21(30.9%) [OR (95% CI) =2.939(1.632-5.294, p<0.001]. Age and prednisolone use were significantly and positively correlated with cognitive impairment (partial correlation ( r = 0.346, p<0.001; r=0.224, p= 0.012 respectively) while educational level was significantly and negatively correlated with CIT ( r=-0.489, p<0.001). In conclusion, RA patients had a high risk of cognitive impairment. Increased age, being employed, use of oral glucocorticoids, low education. And low family income was a significant predictor of cognitive impairment. This suggest early diagnosis and treatment of RA may prevent cognitive impairment.