Data presented at American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2025 links cognitive impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with higher disease activity and lower quality of life. In a cohort of 22 female patients (mean age 33.8 years; mean disease duration 8.9 years) without other autoimmune or neurologic disorders, moderate–high SLE activity correlated with poorer executive function and memory: lower scores on the Dimensional Change Card Sort (executive function) and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (delayed auditory-verbal memory). Low circulating complement C4 also tracked with worse delayed auditory-verbal memory.
Researchers used the National Institutes of Health Toolbox (NIHT)—an iPad-based battery covering processing speed, executive function, auditory verbal learning, and delayed recall—to capture a broad cognitive profile and relate it to clinical measures, patient-reported outcomes (fatigue, pain interference, sleep disturbance), and biologic samples. The approach underscores mild cognitive impairment as an underserved, underdiagnosed component of SLE. It also positions NIHT as a practical tool to identify domain-specific deficits that may align with disease activity and complement levels.
Reference: Cuda C. Unseen Symptoms: Cognitive Decline Reveals Quality-of-Life Impacts of SLE, with Carla Cuda, PhD. HCPLive. Published November 4, 2025. Accessed December 3, 2025. https://www.hcplive.com/view/unseen-symptoms-cognitive-decline-reveals-quality-of-life-impacts-of-sle-cuda
