Assessment of cognitive functions in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus

Neurocognitive changes may hinder the autonomy and independence of patients diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), being considered as one of the main negative outcomes.

To evaluate the cognitive functions of patients diagnosed with active SLE and in remission at the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Goiás.

This was a cross-sectional study, non-probabilistic sample and consecutive type. MiniMental State Examination (MMSE), Five Digits Test (FDT), and Rey's Complex Figures (FCR) were used in 83 patients in the period from November 2021 to May 2022. Patients with depressive disorders and users of alcohol and other drugs were excluded.

The assessed cognitive functions - attention, memory, language, and executive functions - showed mild impairments, corroborating previous studies. There was a significant difference (p > 0,05) concerning cognitive performance when comparing patients with active SLE and in remission groups. Cognitive function was not associated with time of diagnosis.

In this sense, cognitive dysfunctions were present in patients with active SLE and remission. The results showed mild cognitive impairment in patients diagnosed with SLE.