Expert profile
Dr. Patricia Katz
Rheumatology researcher and epidemiologist
Cognitive dysfunction in inflammatory arthritis • patient-reported outcomes • rheumatology epidemiology
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About the expert
Focus: Cognitive dysfunction in inflammatory arthritis
Rheumatology researcher and epidemiologist focused on the often-overlooked cognitive dimensions of inflammatory arthritis. Has documented that objective neuropsychological testing reveals significant deficits in verbal memory and attention in RA patients that may not always align with subjective patient complaints. Works to encourage rheumatologists to broaden clinical focus beyond physical joints to include holistic mental and neurological wellbeing.
Expert discussions with Dr. Patricia Katz
Katz on brain fog in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint disease
Cognitive symptoms — brain fog, memory lapses, concentration problems — may affect many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory joint diseases. Standardized testing often shows real deficits in verbal memory and attention, even when patients have not noticed them. Chronic inflammation, depression, and changes in blood flow to the brain likely all contribute. Better control of the underlying disease, plus sleep and physical activity, may help.