Cognitive Function Assessment in Albanian Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) not only affect physical health but also have implications for cognitive function.This study aimed to assess cognitive impairment in patients with RA and OA compared to healthy controls.A total of 67 RA and OA patients and 30 healthy individuals were recruited, and cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale.Results showed a high prevalence of cognitive impairment in both RA and OA patients, with older age and higher disease activity scores being significant factors associated with greater cognitive decline.Interestingly, no significant difference in cognitive function was observed between RA and OA patients.These findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing cognitive impairment in arthritis patients for comprehensive management and improved quality of life.