Understanding the Mind–Body Connection in RA
Many people with RA describe slower thinking, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating or feeling emotionally “on edge”. These symptoms are real and are closely linked to the underlying biology of RA. RA-related inflammatory processes alter cognition- interfering with the brain’s neural circuits that support memory, decision making, attention and even the regulation of mood (1,2).
Although RA can occur at any age, it usually begins between the ages of 30-50 (3)– the most productive years of a person's life. Common symptoms such as Pain, sleep and fatigue can profoundly shape thoughts and feelings, affecting the quality of personal relationships and the ability to work. In fact, around 33% of people stop work within the first 2 years of developing RA (4).
Medication adds another layer of complexity. DMARD’s and biologics often improve mental functioning as decrease activity throughout the body (5,6). Other medications, such as corticosteroids, can temporarily impair cognitive functioning, affecting the ability to remember things that were said and judge shapes & distances (7).
The good news? There are science-backed ways to restore balance.
NICE is a public body that makes sure that people with RA get the best possible medical care based on what has been proven to work. They create expert guidelines to treat RA safely and effectively. NICE recommends that people with RA should be offered stress management, coping skills and relaxation classes. These classes support people to manage the practical and emotional impact of living with RA and help to improve overall well-being.
How I can help
As a certified health coach and health psychology PhD researcher, I have specialist knowledge of the cognitive and emotional challenges associated with RA. I draw on evidence-based methods that genuinely make a difference. My approach helps clients understand how inflammation, pain, fatigue, and stress shape mood, memory, attention, and daily resilience—and how targeted mind–body techniques can restore clarity, calm, and control. I also provide access to a dedicated mind–body resource library, curated specifically for people living with RA, so that you can confidently choose practices that support you on your journey to restore emotional balance, increase your mental energy, and overall well-being.
Work with me
Work together with me to explore your current stress levels and emotional coping pattern and identify changes that feel realistic and achievable for you. Through this shared process, we will build new mind–body practices that improve your stress levels, mental clarity and well-being.
References
- Meade T, Manolios N, Cumming SR, Conaghan PG, Katz P. Cognitive Impairment in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Arthritis Care & Research. 2018 Jan;70(1):39–52.
- Kang W, Whelan E, Malvaso A. Understanding Cognitive Deficits in People with Arthritis. Healthcare. 2023 May 6;11(9):1337.
- Mayo Clinic. Rheumatoid Arthritis. 2025; Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648
- NICE. Rheumatoid arthritis: How common is it? (Background information – Prevalence and incidence). NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries [Internet]. 2020; Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/rheumatoid-arthritis/background-information/prevalence-incidence/
- Chaurasia N, Singh A, Singh I, Singh T, Tiwari T. Cognitive dysfunction in patients of rheumatoid arthritis. J Family Med Prim Care. 2020;9(5):2219.
- Fazel SD, Carollo M, Tap L, Spini A, Trifirò G, Mattace-Raso FUS. Impact of Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs on Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Drugs Aging. 2025 Apr;42(4):295–313.
- Spannenburg L, Reed H. Adverse cognitive effects of glucocorticoids: A systematic review of the literature. Steroids. 2023 Dec;200:109314.