The Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dementia: A Review
Pritpal S Sangha, Mala Thakur, Zaiba Akhtar, Shaun Ramani, Rubby S Gyamfi
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study explored the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and dementia. These two diseases are a significant health burden that affects the older population, although they have also manifested in young people to a smaller extent. METHODOLOGY: The study entailed a detailed literature review of articles on RA and dementia. The peer-reviewed articles were sourced from reputable databases such as Research Gate, National Center for Biotechnology Information, PubMed, and Google Scholar. RESULTS: RA is a chronic disorder that affects millions of Americans. Dementia, on the other hand, is associated with diminishing cognitive capabilities that impair daily living. Both diseases are associated with older persons and genetic factors. Besides, the inflammation associated with RA reduced blood flow to vital body organs, which increases the risk of developing dementia. Additionally, the study revealed that medications used by RA patients increase the risk of developing dementia. However, biological therapies such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors can lower the risk of dementia. CONCLUSION: There is a need to develop diagnostic procedures that will enable early diagnosis and commencement of treatment to slow down the progression of both disorders. Furthermore, managing these disorders effectively mandates increased awareness about the causality and risk factors of both diseases, especially among young people and at-risk populations to promote lifestyle change and increased uptake of primary care services.