A recent study conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that children with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, were more likely to experience difficulties with learning and memory than those without the skin condition. The researchers reported that children with eczema had a two-fold to three-fold greater risk of memory difficulties if they also had a neurodevelopmental disorder such as ADHD or learning disabilities. This study adds to the growing body of literature linking atopic dermatitis with cognitive impairments in children.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Dermatology, analyzed data from more than 69 million children ages 17 or younger collected from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey in 2021. Of the participants, about 13% had atopic dermatitis. The researchers found that children with eczema were more likely to experience difficulties with learning and memory compared to those without the skin condition. Additionally, children with eczema and any type of neurodevelopmental disorder had a two-fold to three-fold greater chance of experiencing memory issues.
One of the key findings of the study was an interaction between atopic dermatitis and neurodevelopmental conditions for memory impairment, suggesting that they may have additive effects on cognitive dysfunction. Among children with ADHD or learning disability, just having atopic dermatitis alone was associated with higher odds of memory difficulties. However, the study found no significant association between atopic dermatitis and learning or memory difficulties among children without known neurodevelopmental conditions.
The researchers emphasized the importance of screening for cognitive impairment in children with neurodevelopmental diagnoses or concerns, as these children may be at a higher risk for such issues. Further research is needed to understand how factors such as atopic dermatitis severity, age of onset, sleep, and comorbid mood symptoms may impact the relationship between eczema and cognitive impairment in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Clinical experts not involved in the study, such as Dr. Peter Lio, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, highlighted the importance of monitoring cognitive issues in children with moderate to severe eczema. Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, emphasized the need for further exploration into the causes of cognitive impairment in children to develop better treatments and interventions to improve the lives of affected individuals.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the association between atopic dermatitis and cognitive impairments in children, particularly those with neurodevelopmental disorders. By raising awareness of this connection, clinicians can better assess and address the cognitive needs of children with eczema, potentially leading to improved outcomes and quality of life for these individuals.
