Self-reported cognitive dysfunction and memory impairment in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (SARDs): a mixed methods analysis of the INSPIRE cohort
Authors' conclusion
This study highlights a significant impairment of memory in SARDs, notably in SLE, UCTD and Sjögren's, and the impact of cognitive impairment on daily lives and well-being.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with SARDs and controls in the INSPIRE cohort67 in-depth interviews
- Participants
- 1,853 vs 463
- Exposure
- SARD patients vs controls
- SARDsn = 1,853
- Controlsn = 463reference
- Outcome
- Self-reported cognitive dysfunction, including memory impairment (EMQ-R)
Methodological detailssurvey with validated instruments (Everyday Memory Questionnaire-Revised (EMQ-R)), qualitative thematic analysis of 67 in-depth interviews, Kruskal-Wallis tests and Spearman's rank correlations
- Survey with validated instruments (EMQ-R)
- Qualitative thematic analysis of 67 in-depth interviews
- Kruskal-Wallis tests and Spearman's rank correlations
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Self-reported memory impairment (EMQ-R)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) and Sjögren's patients reported significantly higher rates of memory impairments than other groups
- No evidence of increased self-reported memory impairment with disease duration or age
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Association of EMQ-R with self-assessed overall disease activity
- R
- 0.291
- P < 0.001
Correlation of EMQ-R with well-being
- R
- −0.397
- R2
- 0.159
Association of EMQ scores with lifetime frequency of other neuropsychiatric symptoms
- Moderate positive associations
Qualitative findings
- Adverse impact of cognitive dysfunction on daily participation in activities, social isolation, self-esteem and mental well-being; potential underreporting to clinicians
Original publication
Self-reported cognitive dysfunction and memory impairment in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (SARDs): a mixed methods analysis of the INSPIRE cohort. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 7 August 2025. doi:10.
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