Clinical effects of cognitive impairment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of cognitive impairment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 91 patients with stable moderate to very severe COPD were included in this study. Cognitive functions of the patients were evaluated using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) tool and clock-drawing test. The Brody’s Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Questionnaire; COPD assessment test (CAT); body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity (BODE); and Charlson comorbidity index were assessed. The patients were divided into two groups as those who were diagnosed with cognitive impairment (group 1, n = 16) and those with normal cognitive functions (group 2, n = 75). Group 1 had a lower arterial partial pressure of oxygen , shorter 6-min walking distance, and higher arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) than group 2 (p = 0.01, p = 0.024, p = 0.018, respectively). In group 1, the IADL score was lower, and CAT and BODE scores were higher than group 2 (p = 0.002, p = 0.037, p = 0.012, respectively). When we considered all the patients, there was an independent correlation between the IADL score and MMSE score (p = 0.03). This study revealed that COPD patients with cognitive impairment may have more hypoxemia and limited activities of daily living.

Cognitive impairment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: disease burden, determinants and possible future interventions

“…CI seems related to functional exercise capacity as measured by 6-minute walking distance [59,60]. Nevertheless, this was not confirmed among patients entering PR [19] or during an exacerbation [59].…”

“…Several studies showed an inverse relationship between CI and HRQoL as assessed with the COPD Assessment Test [21,60], the EuroQoL-5 dimensions questionnaire [21] or St George's Respiratory Questionnaire [22]. Then again, other studies did not confirm this relationship [19,62].…”

Cognitive function following pulmonary rehabilitation and post-discharge recovery from exacerbation in people with COPD

“…The prevalence of cognitive impairment (CI) among COPD patients ranges from 10 to 77% depending on diagnostic criteria and cognitive measurements [2]. It is well documented that people living with COPD exhibit greater CI compared to healthy controls [3,4], and those living with both CI and COPD are known to have difficulties in daily functioning [5][6][7], reduced adherence to treatment [8], increased risk of dementia [9] and increased risk of hospitalisation and mortality [10,11]. Some research has suggested over 40% difference in the prevalence of CI between people who experience COPD and healthy controls [4].…”

Effect of 12-week pulmonary rehabilitation on cognitive function in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: study protocol for a single-center randomised controlled trial

“… 2 CI in patients with COPD is mainly manifested in attention function, memory function, executive function, verbal fluency and mental-processing speed, 3–6 which affect physical performance, psychological functions and quality of life (QoL). 7 8 However, relevant research on the treatment of CI in patients with COPD is rare.…”