Role of cognitive impairment and malnutrition as determinants of quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis

• Published in: Journal of scleroderma and related disorders 2024-06, Vol.9 (2), p.143-153
• Main Authors: Benfaremo, Devis, Pacenti, Nikla, Paterno, Ilaria, Dichiara, Cristina, Galli, Federica Lucia, Moroncini, Gianluca
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2397-1983; 2397-1991; 2397-1991
• DOI: 10.1177/23971983231224522

Background: Increasing evidence supports the presence of cognitive impairment in patients with systemic sclerosis. Malnutrition is a well-known severe complication of systemic sclerosis and is a consequence of multiple factors, mainly oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal involvement. Recent studies have shown a link between nutrition and cognitive decline in several chronic diseases. Thus, we decided to evaluate a possible association between malnutrition and cognitive impairment in patients with systemic sclerosis. Methods: In total, 100 consecutive systemic sclerosis patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study to assess clinical and demographic features, nutritional status (body mass index, Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria), gastrointestinal involvement (University of California Los Angeles Gastrointestinal Scale 2.0, Eat Assessment Tool 10), cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), anxiety and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9, Beck Depression Inventory II), and quality of life (Short Form 36, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire). Patients were stratified for the presence/absence of malnutrition and cognitive decline and compared for clinical characteristics and quality-of-life measures. Results: Half of the patients had cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment