What is the connection between RA, systemic inflammation, and cognitive function?

As of 2020, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects 17.6 million people globally and is considered to be one of the most common autoimmune diseases. Although there is currently no cure for RA, there are treatments and lifestyle changes that help manage joint pain and inflammation.

In previous studies, RA has been linked to other health concerns, such as stroke, osteoporosis, dry eye disease, and certain cancers. A new study, published by the journal RMD Open, found that the chance of developing cognitive impairment is increased in people with RA. In this study, researchers recruited 140 participants with an average age of 56, half with RA and the other half without. In those with RA, 72% of participants had moderate to high levels of systemic inflammation caused by RA. To examine the participants' cognitive abilities, all 140 of them took neurological and psychological assessments at the beginning and end of the study.

At the end of the study, researchers found that participants with RA had lower average cognitive assessment scores than those without, where 60% of RA participants had cognitive impairments compared to only 40% of healthy controls. Researchers also found that participants who tested with cognitive impairments had marked and persistent inflammation compared to those without cognitive issues. Previous studies support this finding as chronic inflammation has been linked to an increased risk for other conditions such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and more.

This finding further underscores the impact autoimmune disease and chronic inflammation can have on our mental state and cognitive function. More research will be needed to better understand this connection and to develop treatments to reduce the associated inflammation and cognitive impairment.

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