Memory profile Status (working, visual and auditory) in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and healthy individuals

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with an unknown etiology. The disease affects several organs such as central nervous system. The purpose of this study was to assess memory profile (working, visual and auditory) in SLE patients and healthy individuals.

Thirty SLE patients and 30 healthy individuals were selected by the convenience sampling method. The sample was evaluated by Letter-Number Sequencing Test, Rey auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT) and Visual Memory test (Wechsler Memory III subscale). Data were analyzed by the univariate analysis of variance, multivariate analysis of variance and the  Mann- Whitney U Tests.

The results revealed a significant difference (p<0/005) between the two groups in  working memory. There were no significant differences between SLE patients and healthy individuals in terms of immediate auditory memory and immediate visual memory. The results showed the significant differences between two groups in delayed visual memory (free recall and recognition) (p<0/02) and delayed auditory memory (free recall and recognition) (p<0/04).

Memory of  patients diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, especially working, visual and auditory memory dimensions was be  affected by neurological deficits related to the illness, which makes early neuropsychological assessments and related rehabilitation programs even more vital.