Abstract
Objective
Perceived cognitive dysfunction in fibromyalgia (FM), “fibrofog,” is common. Prior laboratory‐based studies have limited our understanding of cognitive function in FM in daily life. The aim of this study is to explore levels of subjective and objective cognitive functioning and the association between subjective and objective aspects of cognition in persons with and without FM in the lived environment.
Methods
Participants (n=50 adults with FM; n= 50 adults without FM matched on age, sex, and education) completed baseline measures of subjective and objective (NIH Toolbox) cognitive functioning. Then, they completed ecological momentary assessments of cognitive clarity and speed and tests of processing speed and working memory, via a smart phone app, 5X/day for 8 days.
Results
On baseline objective measures, the FM group demonstrated poorer cognitive functioning across three NIH Toolbox tests. There were no strong correlations between subjective and objective cognitive functioning in both the FM and control group. In the lived environment, the FM group demonstrated poorer subjective cognition and objective working memory; groups did not differ on processing speed. Momentary ratings of subjective cognitive dysfunction were significantly related to changes in objective processing speed but not working memory, with no group differences.
Conclusion
Findings indicate worse lab‐based and ambulatory subjective and objective cognitive function for those with FM compared to those without FM. Similar associations between measures of subjective and objective cognitive functioning for the groups suggest that people with FM are not overstating cognitive difficulties. Future research examining contributors to ambulatory fibrofog is warranted.
Perceived cognitive dysfunction in fibromyalgia (FM), “fibrofog,” is common. Prior laboratory‐based studies have limited our understanding of cognitive function in FM in daily life. The aim of this study is to explore levels of subjective and objective cognitive functioning and the association between subjective and objective aspects of cognition in persons with and without FM in the lived environment.
Methods
Participants (n=50 adults with FM; n= 50 adults without FM matched on age, sex, and education) completed baseline measures of subjective and objective (NIH Toolbox) cognitive functioning. Then, they completed ecological momentary assessments of cognitive clarity and speed and tests of processing speed and working memory, via a smart phone app, 5X/day for 8 days.
Results
On baseline objective measures, the FM group demonstrated poorer cognitive functioning across three NIH Toolbox tests. There were no strong correlations between subjective and objective cognitive functioning in both the FM and control group. In the lived environment, the FM group demonstrated poorer subjective cognition and objective working memory; groups did not differ on processing speed. Momentary ratings of subjective cognitive dysfunction were significantly related to changes in objective processing speed but not working memory, with no group differences.
Conclusion
Findings indicate worse lab‐based and ambulatory subjective and objective cognitive function for those with FM compared to those without FM. Similar associations between measures of subjective and objective cognitive functioning for the groups suggest that people with FM are not overstating cognitive difficulties. Future research examining contributors to ambulatory fibrofog is warranted.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1669-1677 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Arthritis Care & Research |
| Volume | 72 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| Early online date | 9 Nov 2019 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (award number K01AR064275; PI: Kratz). The Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR: NIH award number UL1TR002240) provided subject recruitment support through the UMHealthResearch.org website. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent theofficial views of the National Institutes of Health.
Keywords
- fibromyalgia
- cognitive dysfunction
- fibrofog
- ambulatory assessment
- working memory,
- processing speed