The Neuropsychology of Autoimmune Encephalitis

Autoimmune encephalitis is rare neurological conditions where the immune system attacks the brain, causing inflammation and dysfunction. Acute presentations vary but include cognitive, behavioural, neurological, and psychiatric symptoms. Despite treatment, patients often report cognitive impairment. However, the literature regarding these outcomes is very limited. This dissertation examined cognitive outcomes in patients with autoimmune encephalitis who were at least six months post-diagnosis. It concluded that poor cognitive outcomes were not uncommon, with executive dysfunction being a frequent outcome. These conclusions are a novel and important addition to the current literature, expanding our understanding of the variability and diversity of cognitive outcomes after AE.