Under the spotlight

Dr Michelle Barraclough discusses what brain fog is, the ways it impacts people and how research may improve outcomes

systemic lupus erythematosus, brain fog, joint pain, arthritis digest

Lupus, a long-term condition that can affect multiple parts of the body, can involve the brain too. And in some people this may lead to cognitive issues. Whilst an extensive body of research has looked into how lupus presents in the body, work with the brain is yet to catch up. Interested groups, however, are combining forces to bring about positive change in the light of new emerging research into exactly how lupus can impact the brain.

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Language and ethnicity are current barriers to good quality patient care for people with arthritis, says Dr Nasimah Maricar

language, ethnicity, healthcare, arthritis, rheumatology, Nasimah Maricar

The UK is a wonderfully diverse place to live. It may not be perfect – improvements are needed in many areas – but awareness is growing and great strides are being made along the lines of inclusivity and opportunity.

However, the pandemic highlighted that almost all minority ethnic groups had higher risks of dying from COVID-19 than the white British majority of a comparable age. Similarly, there is a higher prevalence of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions among some ethnic minorities compared with white people.

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