Researcher’s 1st original, 1st author article achieves slot in best international rheumatology journal
A study which gained Manchester BRC researcher, Dr Michelle Barraclough, her PhD has also been published as a paper in the world’s leading rheumatology journal, the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
The observational research aimed to find out more about cognitive dysfunction (‘brain fog’) in patients with the autoimmune disease, Lupus.
Nearly 1 in 1,000 people in the UK is affected by Lupus and of these patients up to 90% have reported cognitive dysfunction; problems with memory, concentration and attention.
The study found that the brains of patients with Lupus had to ‘work harder’ than those of healthy volunteers to perform the same task.
Sixty six people completed the study which ran for three years and used validated, computerised exercises and imaging (fMRI) to test for cognitive dysfunction.
In this video Dr Barraclough presents a summary of her study on cognitive dysfunction in Lupus patients.
“Cognitive dysfunction can significantly impair a person’s quality of life” said Dr Barraclough, who gained her PhD from The University of Manchester in 2017. “Our work has highlighted the likelihood that ‘brain fog’ is affected by multiple factors, including inflammation, depression and fatigue.
“This means all potential causes of cognition dysfunction in Lupus need to be considered when planning treatment for this aspect of the condition.”
Dr Barraclough hopes to follow up this research with a clinical trial to improve cognitive dysfunction in Lupus patients.
Her paper – Altered cognitive function in systemic lupus erythematosus and associations with inflammation and functional and structural brain changes – can be viewed here.