Learning and memory-related brain activity dynamics are altered in systemic lupus erythematosus: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Abstract

Increased brain activation in patients with SLE during learning may reflect compensatory mechanisms to overcome memory impairment. Our findings localize this impairment to the amPFC, consistent with the behavioral pattern seen in SLE. Altered networking of the hippocampal subsystem of the DMN is consistent with hippocampal neuronal damage seen in SLE, and may reflect compensatory cortical reorganization to cope with dysfunction in these regions pivotal to mnemonic functions.