Diagnosis and Management of Cognitive Dysfunction In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations. One of the frequent manifestations of SLE is cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive dysfunction is a hidden and often undiagnosed manifestation of SLE but can severely impair quality of life even in mild cognitive dysfunction. Early detection of cognitive dysfunction in SLE patients can determine interventions to help patients adapt to the effects of this decline in cognitive function. However, currently, screening and diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction in SLE are often delayed, and monitoring cannot be done properly. This may be due to the most appropriate assessment tool for cognitive screening in SLE patients has not been agreed upon. The management of cognitive dysfunction in SLE patients today is still challenging due to the SLE pathophysiology is still in debate and research. This literature review will discuss the approach of diagnosis and management of cognitive dysfunction in SLE.