Study Examines Cognitive Performance Measurement Tools in People with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

In a new study published in Lupus Science & Medicine, researchers examined the performance of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) across three commonly used cognitive performance tests and found varied results by test. Cognitive impairment is common in people with the disease and quantifying and following this symptom over time is challenging. 

A group of people with SLE were asked to take three cognitive performance tests, the Trail Making Test B (TMTB), a clock drawing assessment with two parts (CLOX1 and CLOX2), and the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Fluid Cognition Battery, which measure performance and potential impairment across multiple measures of cognition. It was discovered that 65%, 55% and 28% of test takers of the TMTB test, CLOX tasks and NIH Toolbox Fluid Cognition Battery test, were potentially impaired, respectively. More than half of participants (58%) exhibited impairment in only one of the tests. 

The results suggest that the TMTB and CLOX tests combined may capture most people living with lupus, who may also have fluid cognition impairment. The TMTB and CLOX assessment also provided non-overlapping information about cognitive performance which may be important in the absence of other impairment. 

The researchers suggest further study to validate the measures for use with people with SLE. Learn more about lupus and the brain.

Read the study