Cognitive dysfunction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. A cross-sectional study in a Brazilian sample.

Background: Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is frequently found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and contributes to impairment in the patient's quality of life.

Aim: To study CD in a sample of patients and the possible associations with cumulative damage, disease activity, clinical/serological profile, and cumulative glucocorticoid dose.

Methods: Included in this study are 103 patients with SLE and 95 controls for cognitive performance through MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination).