<p>Influencing Factors and Exercise Intervention of Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease</p>

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition characterized by airflow limitation in the elderly. Airflow limitation is partially reversible and progressive. COPD not only causes a gradual decline in lung function but also affects the function of other systems throughout the body; it also has adverse effects on the central nervous system that can lead to cognitive impairment, especially in elderly patients. Therefore, understanding the influencing factors of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with COPD and applying early intervention are crucial in improving the quality of life of patients and reducing the burden on their families and society. This article mainly discusses the related factors of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with COPD and expands the possible mechanism of exercise in improving cognitive impairment in patients with COPD to provide a reference for the clinical prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with COPD.

Cognitive impairment caused by hypoxia: from clinical evidences to molecular mechanisms

“…A large population-based study from UK showed that 9% of 62,148 COPD patients while 7% of 230,076 subjects without COPD developed cognitive impairment, but dementia was not as frequently recorded (Siraj et al 2020). Another researcher proposed that the prevalence rate of cognitive impairment in COPD patients is approximately 56.7%, 4 times higher than that in non-COPD patients, which involves attention, learning, processing speed, visuospatial memory, language and executive function (Wang et al 2020b). The prevalence and severity of cognitive dysfunction were correlated to the course and severity of COPD (Lahousse et al 2015;Wen et al 2018).…”

“…Moreover, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances (Aras et al 2017), hypercapnia, systemic inflammation, smoking, aging, reduced exercise capacity and muscle strength are also predictors of cognitive dysfunction in COPD patients (Tudorache et al 2017). Decreased cortex volume and surface area in various brain regions such as right inferior temporal gyrus, left orbital gyrus, right parahippocampal gyrus, and right temporal lobe are remarkably shown in COPD patients with cognitive deficits (Wang et al 2020b).…”

Cognitive impairment in COPD: an often overlooked co-morbidity

“…Efforts to increase physical activity may positively impact cognition in patients with COPD. Proposed mechanisms include decreasing oxidative stress, reducing systemic inflammation, and improving microvascular circulation [20]. Reduced mobility may also contribute to social isolation, anxiety, and depression potentially contributing to progressive cognitive impairment.…”

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment and Pharmacist-Led Medication Management

“…5 Many studies have confirmed that lifestyle changes and risk factor avoidance could help to relieve the symptoms of COPD and reduce the frequency of the acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). 6,7 AECOPD is a rapid deterioration of respiratory symptoms requiring hospital admission and escalation of pharmacological and non-pharmacological care including more severe cases of respiratory failure and admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). 8 Some COPD patients experience frequent exacerbations (≥2 per year) independently of disease severity, but are associated with impaired health-related quality of life, reduced physical activity and poor disease prognosis.…”