#5-54E. Clearing the Fog: Memantine's Potential for Cognitive Impairment in SLE (Ann Rheum Dis, 2026)

Are you struggling to manage "brain fog" in your patients with systemic lupus erythematosus? This phase 2 randomized trial investigated memantine for SLE patients with objective cognitive impairment, revealing significant improvement in immediate memory after 12 weeks. While its clinical promise is clear, we must critically note the trial's small sample size and premature termination. Nonetheless, this study offers a compelling, practical clinical insight, suggesting that memantine could be a viable, readily available therapeutic option for managing debilitating lupus-related cognitive dysfunction in your daily practice.

Citation: Jillian P. Rhoads, Lillian N. Ahmad, Jonathan Williams, Liping Du, Emily A. Littlejohn, Meera G. Subash, Jana K. Shirey-Rice, Jill M. Pulley, Wesley H. Self, Erin M. Collar, Narender Annapureddy, April Barnado, James C. Jackson, Leslie J. Crofford. Improvement in neuropsychological function with memantine treatment among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.ard.2026.07.015

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ard.2026.07.015

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