Improved executive function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus following interactive digital training

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Digital Health
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Research

Background:

• Cognitive deficits, including attention and executive function impairments, are prevalent in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
• Limited assessment tools and therapeutic options exist for cognitive dysfunction in SLE patients.
• Digital interventions, such as video game-based software, have shown success in improving cognition in other populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the sensitivity of a digital platform (EVO™ Monitor) for evaluating attentional and executive function in SLE patients.
• To determine the effectiveness of an at-home interactive digital treatment (AKL-T01) in improving cognitive dysfunction in SLE.
• To explore the correlation between digital assessment metrics and cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• Sixty SLE patients underwent baseline neuropsychological testing, digital assessment (EVO™ Monitor), and biobehavioral measures.
• Participants were randomized into a treatment group (n=30) receiving AKL-T01 or a control group (n=30).
• The treatment group engaged in daily 25-minute digital gameplay for 4 weeks, with follow-up assessments.

Main Results:

• SLE patients exhibited baseline impairments in visuomotor speed, processing speed, visual attention, and cognitive flexibility.
• The AKL-T01 treatment group showed significant improvements in visuomotor speed (Trail Making A) and cognitive flexibility (Trail Making B) compared to controls.
• The treatment group also demonstrated enhanced multitasking abilities on the EVO Monitor, while controls did not.

Conclusions:

• A 4-week digital video game intervention significantly improved motor speed and executive functions in SLE patients.
• Digital interventions targeting frontoparietal networks show potential for cognitive rehabilitation in SLE.
• The EVO Monitor may serve as a valuable tool for detecting cognitive impairment and tracking changes in SLE.