News Briefs November 2022
Q: I’ve been suffering from the pain and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for many years, but I recently learned that RA can cause memory problems, too. Is that true?
A: Memory and attention troubles, sometimes called “brain fog,” can be a feature of RA, just as it can sometimes affect people with other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus. .
The most likely theory linking RA to cognitive changes is that the chronic inflammation that causes typical RA symptoms such as joint pain also triggers changes in brain function. The network of neurons starts communicating differently, resulting in cognitive changes.
Of course, there could be other RA-related factors that cause memory and thinking-skills problems. Pain itself can affect the way we think, because some of the brain regions responsible for memory and processing information are also involved in processing pain. As a result, some of the resources that would normally be used for memory and decision-making are being taken up with dealing with RA pain.
RA medications, such as methotrexate, also are associated with changes in cognition and mood. To help prevent RA-associated brain fog, try to exercise every day and get sufficient sleep. You may want to talk with your doctor about medication options that might not contribute to cognitive problems. If you do notice periods of brain fog, take note when they usually occur and try to schedule brain-demanding tasks for periods when you are more alert.
Q: Is there a link between financial problems and cognitive decline? I’m finding that the more I worry about money, the more trouble I have remembering and organizing things.
A: Worries about money, health, and other important concerns can contribute to stress, which, in turn, can absolutely interfere with memory and other thinking skills. And what can complicate matters further is that cognitive decline—even mild or temporary in nature—can lead to mistakes or poor decisions when it comes to money. And that, of course, can cause even more stress.
To help reduce your financial stress, consider getting help, either from an accountant or financial advisor, depending on your needs. Be willing to enlist the aid of a trusted family member to help you revise your spending and investing habits. Even getting a little help or sorting out one or more nagging money concerns may ease your stress more than you realize.
Q: I’m looking forward to the first holiday season that will be spent with most of the family—assuming there’s no COVID-19 surge. But I’m concerned about how the pandemic and politics have created some divisions within the family. Any advice on navigating the season?
A: The best approach to having enjoyable family celebrations may be to simply steer clear of conversation topics likely to trigger arguments and hurt feelings. Rather than try to have civil exchanges about hot-button subjects, try instead to focus on catching up with relatives and making the conversations personal, rather than political.
If you’re worried a gathering could become unpleasant, consider skipping it. But keep in mind that such a decision could send a message that might affect your relationships. Attending and doing your best to keep things upbeat and positive may have fewer negative repercussions. If you decide to stay away, let others know early in a considerate, but clear, manner.
You may also want to reach out to others in your family ahead of time. Talk with those who share your concerns, but also consider talking with relatives who may be at the center of heated debates or arguments. If you have a good relationship with especially opinionated family members, talk with them about how important it is for the family to enjoy a celebration after a few years apart. This might be a topic on which everyone agrees.
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