Cognitive implications of rheumatoid arthritis: A call for comprehensive care and research focus

Abstract

| INTRODUCTION/ BACKGROUNDRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that primarily manifests as symmetrical joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. It is the most common inflammatory arthritis where cardinal joint symptoms emerge due to inflammation of the articular surfaces of the joints and their surrounding soft tissues. Persistent inflammation results in structural changes of the joints and consequently impaired physical function. It is a chronic, crippling disorder that typically develops between the ages of 20 and 40 and is more common among women. 1 RA is a multisystem disorder that frequently presents with extra-articular manifestations, including respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease, neurological problems, and vasculitis and so on. 2 Although RA rarely exhibits neurological symptoms, the impact of cognitive impairment in RA, according to recent research, may be substantial. 3 Cognitive Impairment is the slow deterioration of mental capacities like learning, remembering, paying attention, reasoning, and decisionmaking. Multiple factors have been identified as potential contributors of cognitive impairment in RA patients, encompassing autoimmune and inflammatory components, cardiovascular complications, psychiatric disorders, persistent pain, medication side effects, age, genetic factors, and hormonal fluctuations. 4