University of Texas Health Science                                                                         
Center at San Antonio
Department of Medicine
Division of Neurology
(210)567-1439
(210)567-0619       

              Coordinating Center

University of Texas Health Science Center
at San Antonio
(Robin L. Brey, M.D.)

Participating Sites
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore,
MD (Michelle Petri, M.D., M.P.H.)

 
Hospital for Special Surgery/Weill-Cornell University
Medical Center, New York, NY

Cognition

 A Cognitive Function study on Lupus

       What is Lupus?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or “lupus” is an autoimmune disease that affects 1 in 2000 people across the United States.  Women are affected three times more likely than men.  In this disease the immune system basically works against itself, and can potentially damage many organs of the body like the kidneys, brain and blood vessels.

 About the COGNITION Study:

 This is a multi-center study designed to gather information about cognitive function (memory, attention) in patients with lupus compared to a matched group of healthy (non-lupus) controls.  We want to learn how often lupus patients have symptoms related to brain problems.

 What does participating in the COGNITION study involve?

Participation in the Cognition study is voluntary. Enrollment consists of an interview, physical, neuropsychological testing and collection of a blood sample.  Follow-up visits will be performed every six months for a period of two years.  We will also review your medical chart to get additional information about your medical history and the results of any tests associated with your lupus.  All study appointments will take place at the Frederic C. Barter Clinical Research Unit (CRC) which is located on the 7^th floor of the Audie Murphy VA Memorial

 Hospital. We ask that you bring in a “buddy” (friend or family member) who does not have lupus to participate as your healthy control.  Healthy control patients are important to our research so that we can compare to lupus patients and better understand the symptoms related to brain problems in lupus patients.

If I enroll, how will my privacy be protected?

 
Protected Health Information (PHI) is information about a person’s health that would make it possible to figure out whose it is.  We will gather this type of information about you by asking you personally as well as reviewing your medical records.  Your name and contact information will be kept confidential at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, stored by the study staff of the Cognition study. The study staff will use code numbers instead of your name to identify your health information. No subjects will be identified in any publication about this study.

 What are the benefits of enrolling in the COGNITION study?

 Enrollment in this research study may not be of any direct benefit to you individually. All visits and testing will be done free of charge to you.  You will receive a travel reimbursement stipend of $25 per study visit.  It is possible that the information we gather from this research may contribute to new medical knowledge about lupus and brain function.  How do I enroll in the COGNITION Study?

 If you are interested in learning more about the Cognition study, please call (210) 567-1439 .