Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and Psoriasis Associated With Memory Impairment

According to a study published in BioMed Research International, memory impairment may be a comorbidity linked to cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and psoriasis (PsO).

Researchers aimed to determine if CTCL and PsO had an impact on cognitive functioning due to psychological and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) status. They conducted a cross-sectional study in an outpatient dermatology clinic of a university hospital. The study consisted of 39 patients with CTCL or PsO, and standard neuropsychological tests were used to assess cognitive domains of memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function. Additionally, patients were assessed for depression, anxiety, and HR-QOL using the SKINDEX-29 questionnaire.

About 17.9% of patients with CTCL or PsO were found to have cognitive impairment in the domain of memory. Higher SKINDEX-29 functioning scores (worse HR-QOL) predicted lower scores on executive function tests, whereas higher estimated baseline intellectual functioning predicted lower SKINDEX-29 symptoms and functioning domain scores (better HR-QOL), in addition to a statistical trend for the emotion domain. Shorter disease duration impacted memory and acute anxiety.

“Subjects with stronger cognitive resources appear to cope better with HR-QOL challenges,” the authors concluded.

Reference
Damiani G, Tacastacas JD, Wuerz T, et al. Cognition/psychological burden and resilience in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and psoriasis patients: real-life data and implications for the treatment. Biomed Res Int. Published online July 21, 2022;2022. doi:10.1155/2022/8802469