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Cognitive dysfunction in the patient with antiphospholipid antibodies: Considerations for cause and treatment

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Abstract

The evidence supporting a causal relationship between antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies and cognitive dysfunction is very limited despite a general impression that one exists. Patients with aPL antibodies may complain of cognitive difficulties in their everyday lives, forcing the clinician to examine this issue. As with other non-thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) manifestations, cognitive dysfunction in this population should be approached as a diagnosis of exclusion. The complexity in diagnosing and treating various manifestations of rheumatic disease holds true for identifying and addressing cognitive decline in these patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Departments of Medicine and Public Health, 535 East 70th Street, 10021, New York, NY

    Melanie J. Harrison MD, MS

Authors
  1. Melanie J. Harrison MD, MS
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  2. Lisa D. Ravdin PhD
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Harrison, M.J., Ravdin, L.D. Cognitive dysfunction in the patient with antiphospholipid antibodies: Considerations for cause and treatment. Curr Rheumatol Rep 8, 89–94 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-006-0047-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-006-0047-x

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