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Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Mild cognitive impairment in pemphigus
Leila Ghadirzade Arani1, Soroor Advani2, Ghazal Mardani1
1Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune blistering disorders that have been associated with dementia in previous studies. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be the first stage of progression into dementia. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of MCI in pemphigus patients compared to a control group.
Methods:
This case-control study included 80 patients with pemphigus referred to the dermatology clinics of Shohadaye Tajrish and Loghman Hakim hospitals, Tehran, Iran, in 2021. A group of 80 individuals without pemphigus who visited the same clinics for cosmetic consultation or interventions were regarded as controls. Age, sex, marital status, and education were recorded for all participants. Disease duration, medications, and severity were noted for pemphigus patients. The Persian version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test was used to assess cognitive function.
Results:
MCI was significantly more frequent in pemphigus patients than in controls (55% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.026). Furthermore, the total MoCA score was significantly lower in pemphigus patients compared to controls (23.98 ± 3.77 vs. 25.21 ± 3.45, P = 0.032); however, among MoCA's different domains, only the executive functions score was significantly lower in pemphigus patients (P = 0.010). After adjustment, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that every 1-year higher education in patients decreased the odds of MCI by 52% (adjusted odds ratio = 0.483, 95% confidence interval 0.326; 0.715, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
The frequency of MCI was found to be significantly higher, and overall scores of the MoCA test, as well as its executive function domain, were significantly lower among pemphigus patients in this study compared to the control group. Additionally, a higher level of education was associated with decreased odds of MCI in pemphigus patients. Identifying pemphigus patients with MCI through the use of the MoCA test can facilitate early intervention, enabling them to seek help and support.
Insights
Pemphigus patients show higher rates of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and lower cognitive test scores, particularly in executive functions. Higher education may reduce MCI risk in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease linked to dementia.
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often precedes dementia.
- Previous studies suggest a pemphigus-dementia association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MCI in pemphigus patients.
- To compare cognitive function in pemphigus patients versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 80 pemphigus patients and 80 controls.
- Cognitive function assessed using the Persian version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test.
- Demographic, disease, and medication data collected.
Main Results:
- MCI was more frequent in pemphigus patients (55%) than controls (37.5%).
- Pemphigus patients had lower overall MoCA scores and executive function scores.
- Increased education level was associated with a reduced likelihood of MCI.
Conclusions:
- Pemphigus patients exhibit a higher incidence of MCI and impaired executive function.
- The MoCA test can aid in identifying pemphigus patients with MCI for early intervention.
- Higher education may be a protective factor against MCI in pemphigus.
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