COgnitive-pulmonary disease

Translating the Interplay of Cognition and Physical Performance in COPD and Interstitial Lung Disease: Meeting Report and Literature Review

TOPIC IMPORTANCE

Cognitive and physical limitations are common in individuals with chronic lung diseases, but their interactions with physical function and activities of daily living are not well characterized. Understanding these interactions and potential contributors may provide insights on disability and enable more tailored rehabilitation strategies.

REVIEW FINDINGS

This review summarizes a 2-day meeting of patient partners, clinicians, researchers, and lung associations to discuss the interplay between cognitive and physical function in people with chronic lung diseases. This report covers four areas: (1) cognitive-physical limitations in patients with chronic lung diseases; (2) cognitive assessments; (3) strategies to optimize cognition and motor control; and (4) future research directions. Cognitive and physical impairments have multiple effects on quality of life and daily function. Meeting participants acknowledged the need for a standardized cognitive assessment to complement physical assessments in patients with chronic lung diseases. Dyspnea, fatigue, and age were recognized as important contributors to cognition that can affect motor control and daily physical function. Pulmonary rehabilitation was highlighted as a multidisciplinary strategy that may improve respiratory and limb motor control through neuroplasticity and has the potential to improve physical function and quality of life.

SUMMARY

There was consensus that cognitive function and the cognitive interference of dyspnea in people with chronic lung diseases contribute to motor control impairments that can negatively affect daily function, which may be improved with pulmonary rehabilitation. The meeting generated several key research questions related to cognitive-physical interactions in individuals with chronic lung diseases.

The interplay of physical and cognitive function in rehabilitation of interstitial lung disease patients: a narrative review

Background and Objective

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses several diverse pulmonary pathologies that result in abnormal diffuse parenchymal changes. When prescribing rehabilitation, several additional factors need to be considered as a result of aging, polypharmacy, and comorbidities manifested in ILD patients. This review aims to discuss issues related to frailty, skeletal muscle and cognitive function that limit physical activities in ILD patients. It will also highlight exercise training and propose complementary strategies for pulmonary rehabilitation.

Methods

A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL (inception to October 19th, 2022) using search terms based on concepts of: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial lung disease; frailty; muscular atrophy; skeletal muscle dysfunction; cognitive dysfunction; sleep quality; sleep disorders; anxiety disorders; or depressive disorders. After eligible texts were screened, additional references were included from references cited in the screened articles.

Key Content and Findings

Frailty and skeletal muscle dysfunction are common in ILD. Weight loss, exhaustion, and anti-fibrotic medications can impact frailty, whereas physical inactivity, aging, corticosteroids and hypoxemia can contribute to sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass and function). Frailty is associated with worse clinical status, exercise intolerance, skeletal muscle dysfunction, and decreased quality of life in ILD. Sarcopenia appears to influence wellbeing and can potentially affect overall physical conditioning, cognitive function and the progression of ILD. Optimal assessment tools and effective strategies to prevent and counter frailty and sarcopenia need to be determined in ILD patients. Even though cognitive impairment is evident in ILD, its prevalence and underlying neurobiological model of contributing factors (i.e., inflammation, disease severity, cardiopulmonary status) requires further investigation. How ILD affects cognitive interference, motor control and consequently physical daily activities is not well defined. Strategies such as pulmonary rehabilitation, which primarily focuses on strength and aerobic conditioning have demonstrated improvements in ILD patient outcomes. Future incorporation of interval training and the integration of motor learning could improve transfer of rehabilitation strategies to daily activities.

Conclusions

Numerous underlying etiologies of ILD contribute to frailty, skeletal muscle and cognitive function, but their respective neurobiologic mechanisms require further investigation. Exercise training increases physical measures, but complementary approaches may improve their applicability to improve daily activities.

Impact of CPAP Therapy Adherence on Global Cognition in Patients with Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A One-Year Follow-Up

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea increases (OSA) cognitive impairment risk. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence on global cognition using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment questionnaire (MoCA). Materials and Methods: Thirty-four new patients diagnosed with moderate or severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index AHI ≥ 15 events/h) from the CPAP group were compared with thirty-one moderate to severe OSA patients from the no-CPAP group. In addition, all patients completed the MoCA test, a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms, and a generalized anxiety questionnaire (GAD-7) for anxiety symptoms, at baseline, after 6 months, and after 1 year. Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding total MoCA scores, 20.9 ± 3.5 CPAP group to 19.7 ± 2.9 no-CPAP group (p = 0.159), PHQ-9 (p = 0.651), and GAD-7 (p = 0.691). After one year, improvement was observed for a total MoCA score of 22.7 ± 3.5 (p < 0.001) for the CPAP group, and significant variance of score between groups was more accentuated for delayed recall and attention (p < 0.001) sub-topic. Moreover, PHQ-9, GAD-7 scores, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) after CPAP therapy. The MoCA score was significantly correlated with years of education (r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and had a negative correlation with body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.34), ESS (r = -0.30) and PHQ-9 (r = -0.34). Conclusions: One year of CPAP adherence improved global cognition associated with OSA.

Comorbid Cognitive Impairment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Current Understanding, Risk Factors, Implications for Clinical Practice, and Suggested Interventions

Cognitive impairment is a common comorbidity in patients with COPD, significantly impacting health and clinical outcomes. Yet it remains under investigated and is largely overlooked. Although the exact cause of cognitive impairment in patients with COPD is still unclear, factors such as hypoxemia, vascular disease, smoking, exacerbation, and physical inactivity have been suggested. While international guidelines recommend identifying comorbidity in patients with COPD, such as cognitive impairment, cognitive assessment is not yet part of the routine assessment. Unidentified cognitive deficits in patients with COPD may have severe impacts on clinical management, resulting in an inability to maintain functional independence, poor self-management, and a greater dropout from pulmonary rehabilitation programs. There is a need to consider cognitive screening as a part of COPD assessment to promote early detection of cognitive impairment. Recognizing cognitive impairment early in the course of the illness allows the development of individualized interventions to meet patients' needs and improve clinical outcomes. Pulmonary rehabilitation should be tailored to cognitively impaired patients with COPD to maximize the benefits and minimize the incompletion rate.

Does peak expiratory flow moderate trajectories of cognitive function among individuals with lung diseases? A longitudinal analysis of the National Health and Aging Trends Study

INTRODUCTION

Impaired cognitive function can co-exist in chronic respiratory diseases. However, it is not clear if peak expiratory flow (PEF) impacts changes in cognitive function. Our objective was to explore whether peak expiratory flow moderates trajectories of memory, visuospatial abilities, and executive function in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases.

METHODS

This was an analysis of individuals with lung diseases from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Multivariable-adjusted generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate trajectories of immediate and delayed recall, and clock drawing over a 10-year follow-up. The interaction between PEF and time were plotted using sex-specific values for peak expiratory flow at 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles.

RESULTS

In females, interactions of time-by-PEF were found for both immediate (n = 489, t = 2.73, p<0.01) and delayed recall (n = 489, t = 3.38, p<0.01). Females in the 10th vs. 90th percentile of PEF declined in immediate recall at 0.14 vs. 0.065 words/year, and 0.17 vs. 0.032 words/year for delayed recall. Among males, recall declined linearly over 10 years (immediate recall: n = 296, t = -3.08, p < 0.01; delayed recall: n = 292, t = -2.46, p = 0.02), with no interaction with PEF. There were no time-by-PEF interactions nor declines over time in clock drawing scores in both sexes (females: n = 484, t = 0.25, p = 0.81; males: n = 291, t = -0.61, p = 0.55).

CONCLUSION

Females with the lowest PEF values experienced the greatest rates of decline in immediate and delayed recall over 10 years of follow-up, whereas males experienced similar declines in memory outcomes across all levels of PEF. Clock drawing scores remained stable over 10 years in both sexes.

Associations Between Cognitive Function, Balance, and Gait Speed in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with COPD

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at risk for physical and cognitive impairment. Cognitive function is associated with falls in older adults. However, it is unknown whether a relationship exists between cognitive function and falls in patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between cognitive function, balance, and gait speed in older adults with COPD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A secondary analysis was performed using data from the 2010 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Cognitive (immediate and delayed recall, executive function) and physical (gait speed, tandem balance time) measure data were extracted for older adults with COPD (n = 382) and an age-matched control group without COPD (n = 382) who met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Multivariate linear regression modeling was performed to examine associations between cognitive function and mobility or balance while controlling for age, gender, body mass index, grip strength, and education.

RESULTS

In older adults with COPD, delayed recall was significantly associated with tandem balance performance (β= 1.42, P < .05). Other cognitive measures were not associated with gait speed or balance.

CONCLUSION

In older adults with COPD, one of four cognitive functions was associated with a static standing balance task. Screening of cognitive function, specifically delayed recall, should be a part of the management of falls in this population.

Effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation program combined with cognitive training on exercise tolerance and cognitive functions among Tunisian male patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment has been well described in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in addition to cardiorespiratory disability. To reduce this impairment, researchers have recommended the use of single or combined exercise training. However, the combined effect of cognitive training (CT) and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on selective cognitive abilities in patients with COPD has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to assess the impact of PR combined with CT on 6 minutes walking test (6MWT) and cognitive parameters in Tunisian males' patients with COPD.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with COPD were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 21, age = 65.3 ± 2.79) and a control group (n = 18, age = 65.3 ± 3.2). The intervention group underwent PR combined with CT, and the control group underwent only PR, three times per week for 3 months. The primary outcomes were 6MWT (6 minutes walking test -6MWT-parameters) and cognitive performance, as evaluated by Montreal cognitive assessments (MOCA) and P300 test. Secondary outcomes were patient's characteristics and spirometric data. These tests were measured at baseline and after 3 months of training programs.

RESULTS

Results showed a significant improvement of the 6MWT distance after the rehabilitation period in both groups (p < .001). Moreover, both groups showed significant improvement (p < .001) in cognitive performance including MOCA score and P300 test latency in three midline electrodes. However, the improvement in cognitive performance was significantly greater in the PR+CT group than the PR group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, although PR alone improves 6MWT parameters and cognitive function, the addition of CT to PR is more effective in improving cognitive abilities in patients with COPD. This combined approach may provide clinicians with a complementary therapeutic option for improving cognitive abilities in patients with COPD.

Impact of cognitive capacity on physical performance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A scoping review

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often accompanied by impaired cognitive and physical function. However, the role of cognitive function on motor control and purposeful movement is not well studied. The aim of the review was to determine the impact of cognition on physical performance in COPD. Methods: Scoping review methods were performed including searches of the databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, Cochrane (CENTRAL), APA PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Two reviewers independently assessed articles for inclusion, data abstraction, and quality assessment. Results: Of 11,252 identified articles, 44 met the inclusion criteria. The review included 5743 individuals with COPD (68% male) with the forced expiratory volume in one second range of 24-69% predicted. Cognitive scores correlated with strength, balance, and hand dexterity, while 6-min walk distance (n = 9) was usually similar among COPD patients with and without cognitive impairment. In 2 reports, regression analyses showed that delayed recall and the trail making test were associated with balance and handgrip strength, respectively. Dual task studies (n = 5) reported impaired balance or gait in COPD patients compared to healthy adults. Cognitive or physical Interventions (n = 20) showed variable improvements in cognition and exercise capacity. Conclusions: Cognition in COPD appears to be more related to balance, hand, and dual task function, than exercise capacity.

Relationships of Walking and non-Walking Physical Activities in Daily Life with Cognitive Function and Physical Characteristics in Male Patients with Mild Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is accompanied by dyspnea on exertion due to airflow limitation caused by bronchial stenosis, with afflicted patients being less physically active. Therefore, physical activity is important for disease management.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the relationships of walking and non-walking physical activities with cognitive function or physical characteristics of patients with mild COPD in a community without respiratory rehabilitation.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

DATA SOURCES AND METHODS

We included 40 male patients (mean age, 75.7 ± 6.7 years) with stable mild COPD. A three-axis accelerometer was used to evaluate walking and non-walking physical activities in daily life. Cognition, respiratory function, skeletal muscle mass, limb muscle strength, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life were assessed.

RESULTS

Regarding daily exercise amount (metabolic equivalents × hours; Ex), 87.5% of the participants had walking activities of 0-2 Ex, while 67.5% had non-walking activities of 1-3 Ex. Walking activity was significantly correlated with cognitive function (P < .05), walking distance (P < .01), and health-related quality of life (P < .05), but not with muscle mass. However, non-walking activity was significantly correlated with the body mass index (P < .05), muscle mass (P < .05), and walking distance (P < .01), but not with cognitive function. Moreover, the relationship between non-walking activity and health-related quality of life was weaker than the corresponding relationship with walking activity.

CONCLUSION

In patients with mild COPD, walking and non-walking physical activities showed different relationships with cognitive function and physical characteristics. The findings suggest that self-management of such patients requires maintenance of both walking and non-walking activities in a balanced manner.

Abdominal obesity in COPD is associated with specific metabolic and functional phenotypes

BACKGROUND

Abdominal obesity (AO) is linked to reduced health status and mortality. While it is known that AO is prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AO-COPD), the specific metabolic and functional consequences associated with AO-COPD remain understudied.

METHODS

We studied 199 older adults with COPD and 168 control subjects with and without AO and assessed visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. VAT > 70th percentile of the control group qualified a subject as AO in a sex specific manner. We measured plasma concentrations and whole body production (WBP) rates of multiple amino acids to assess the metabolic profile. We assessed medical history, body composition by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, muscle strength, and cognitive function. We performed statistics by analysis of covariance (p) and FDR (q) for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

AO-COPD subjects had 27% more VAT (q < 0.01) than AO-Control subjects despite correction for BMI. Branched-chain amino acid concentrations and WBP rates were generally elevated in AO-COPD but whole body clearance rate was only elevated in COPD. Metabolic syndrome comorbidities (p < 0.01) and systemic inflammation (P < 0.05) were most prevalent in the AO-COPD group. Muscle strength was reduced in COPD subjects (p < 0.001), but partially preserved when combined with AO. Cognitive dysfunction and mood disturbances were present in COPD subjects (p < 0.001) with worst performers in AO-COPD (q < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The presence of AO is associated with specific metabolic and functional phenotypes in COPD. Clinical trial registry Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. In the present paper, we report an analysis of the baseline measurements of COPD subjects and healthy controls from the study numbers: NCT01787682, NCT01787682, NCT02157844, NCT02082418, NCT02065141, NCT02770092, NCT02908425, NCT03159390, NCT02780219, NCT03327181, NCT03796455, NCT04928872, NCT04461236, NCT01173354, NCT01154400.

Distal radius fractures and risk of incident neurocognitive disorders in older adults: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Distal radius fractures (DRF) are associated with increased risk of subsequent fractures and physical decline in older adults. This study aims to evaluate the risk cognitive decline following DRF and potential for timely screening and intervention.

METHODS

A cohort of 1046 individuals 50-75 years of age with DRF were identified between 1995 and 2015 (81.5% female; mean age 62.5 [± 7.1] years). A control group (N = 1044) without history of DRF was matched by age, sex, and fracture date (i.e., index). The incidence of neurocognitive disorders (NCD) in relation to DRF/index was determined. Group comparisons were adjusted by age and comorbidity measured by the Elixhauser index.

RESULTS

The DRF group had a greater incidence of NCD compared to the control group (11.3% vs. 8.2%) with a 56% greater relative risk (HR = 1.56, 95% Cl: 1.18, 2.07; p = 0.002) after adjusting for age and comorbidity. For every 10-year age increase, the DRF group was over three times more likely to develop a NCD (HR = 3.23, 95% Cl: 2.57, 4.04; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

DRF in adults ages 50 to 75 are associated with increased risk of developing neurocognitive disorders. DRF may represent a sentinel opportunity for cognitive screening and early intervention. Distal radius fractures (DRF) have been associated with greater risk of future fractures and physical decline. This study reports that DRF are also associated with greater risk of developing neurocognitive disorders in older adults. Timely intervention may improve early recognition and long-term outcomes for older adults at risk of cognitive decline.

Loss of Neural Automaticity Contributes to Slower Walking in COPD Patients

The physical impairments (e.g., slower walking speed) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been attributed to peripheral characteristics (e.g., muscle atrophy). However, cognitive impairment may compromise motor control including walking automaticity. The objective of this study was to investigate PFC neural activity, evaluated using changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (ΔO₂Hb), during preferred paced walking (PPW) in COPD patients and age-matched controls. The ΔO₂Hb from the left and right dorsolateral PFC was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Fifteen COPD patients (age: 71 ± 8) and twenty age-matched controls (69 ± 7 years) participated. Two-way mixed ANOVA demonstrated that O₂Hb in both groups decreased during PPW from the start (quintile 1; Q1) to the end (quintile 5; Q5) in the left dorsolateral and medial PFC. Q1 was comprised of the data during the first 20% of the task, while Q5 included data collected in the last 20% of the task duration. PPW duration ranged between 30.0 and 61.4 s in the control group and between 28.6 and 73.0 s in COPD patients. COPD patients demonstrated a higher O₂Hb in Q5 compared to the negative O₂Hb in controls in the right medial and dorsolateral PFC during PPW. PPW velocity was lower in COPD patients compared to controls (1.02 ± 0.22 vs. 1.22 ± 0.14 m/s, p = 0.005). Healthy older controls exhibited automaticity during walking unlike patients with COPD. The lesser decrease in O₂Hb in COPD patients may be attributed to increased executive demands or affect-related cues (e.g., pain or dyspnea) during walking.

Cognitive Impairment in Acute Heart Failure: Narrative Review

Cognitive impairment (CI) represents a common but often veiled comorbidity in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) that deserves more clinical attention. In the AHF setting, it manifests as varying degrees of deficits in one or more cognitive domains across a wide spectrum ranging from mild CI to severe global neurocognitive disorder. On the basis of the significant negative implications of CI on quality of life and its overwhelming association with poor outcomes, there is a compelling need for establishment of detailed consensus guidelines on cognitive screening methods to be systematically implemented in the population of patients with heart failure (HF). Since limited attention has been drawn exclusively on the field of CI in AHF thus far, the present narrative review aims to shed further light on the topic. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of CI in AHF remain poorly understood and seem to be multifactorial. Different pathophysiological pathways may come into play, depending on the clinical phenotype of AHF. There is some evidence that cognitive decline closely follows the perturbations incurred across the long-term disease trajectory of HF, both along the time course of stable chronic HF as well as during episodes of HF exacerbation. CI in AHF remains a rather under recognized scientific field that poses many challenges, since there are still many unresolved issues regarding cognitive changes in patients hospitalized with AHF that need to be thoroughly addressed.

The relationship between cognitive function and competence in inhaler technique in older adults with airway disease

Cognitive impairment has high prevalence in older adults with airway diseases, and may influence their competence in inhaler use, thereby negatively affecting patient prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between cognitive function and competence in inhaler technique. We enrolled 108 inhaler naïve older adults (≥60 years) with airway disease in this prospective observational study and performed the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE). After explaining the inhaler technique, we scored its competence. While the total K-MMSE score was unrelated to the inhaler score, the orientation for place (estimates=0.62, p = 0.009), registration (estimates=0.988, p = 0.037), and recall (estimates=0.161, p = 0.048) were positively associated with the score. Low K-MMSE scores were associated with lower odds ratio for the competence of the "exhale" step (adjusted odds ratio= 0.23, p = 0.018). Thus, a K-MMSE-mediated evaluation of cognitive function in older adults with airway disease can be a useful tool to predict inhaler competence.

Association between humidifier disinfectant exposure during infancy and subsequent neuropsychiatric outcomes during childhood: a nation-wide cross-sectional study

Background

The purpose was to determine the association between infant exposure to humidifier disinfectant (HD) with neuropsychiatric problems in pre-school children.

Methods

A total of 2,150 children (age 4–11 months) were enrolled in the Panel Study of Korean Children (PSKC) study. The Korean version of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used for assessments of neuropsychiatric problems. 1,113 children who participated in all the first to third PSKC studies and answered a question about HD exposure were finally enrolled.

Results

There were 717 (64.5%) children in non-HD group who were not exposed to HD and 396 (35.5%) in HD group with former exposure to HD. Exposure to HD was associated with total neuropsychiatric problems (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.15–2.06), being emotionally reactive (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.00–2.39), having attention problems (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.10–3.47), having oppositional defiant problems (aOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.07–2.71), and having attention deficit/hyperactivity problems (aOR = 11.57, 95% CI = 1.03–2.38). The risks for neuropsychiatric problems were clearly increased in boy, firstborn, and secondary smoker.

Conclusions

Exposure to HD during early childhood had a potential association with subsequent behavioral abnormalities.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-021-02825-7.

Multidimensional indices in the assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a very common disease, is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Due to the significant heterogeneity of clinical phenotypes of COPD there is no single method suitable for predicting patients' health status and outcomes, and therefore multidimensional indices, assessing different components of the disease, were developed and are recommended for clinical practice by international guidelines. Several indices have been widely accepted: BODE and its modifications, ADO, DOSE, CODEX, COTE. They differ in their composition and aim, while they are more accurate and better validated in specific settings and populations. We review the characteristics, strengths and limitations of these indices, and we discuss their role in routine management of patients with COPD, as well as in specific clinical scenarios, such as resuscitation and ceiling of care, or decisions to offer more invasive treatments. This analysis may help clinicians to use those indexes in a more practical and appropriate way.

Self-reported sleep disturbance and mild cognitive impairment in COPD patients with severe airflow limitation

INTRODUCTION

COPD has multiple extrapulmonary manifestations and the latest studies have focused on cognitive dysfunction effects on sleep quality. The purpose of this study is to assess if there is a relationship between sleep quality and cognitive decline in COPD patients with severe airflow limitation.

METHODS

We performed an observational study to determine if there is a link between cognitive function and sleep quality. The included patients were divided into two groups: a group with COPD patients and control group. We evaluated lung volumes, cognitive function, sleep quality and disease impact on the quality of life.

RESULTS

Most of the COPD patients presented mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (95.7%), compared with only 24.1% in the control group (Pearson chi-square χ² (1) = 42.560, p < 0.001). We observed that all the COPD patients were poor sleepers, while only 13.8% of the control patients presented a poor sleep (Pearson chi-square χ² (1) = 60.379, p < 0.001). We observed that poor sleep was significantly associated with MCI (OR = 9.200; 95% CI = 3.656-23.153; p < 0.001). At the same time, when considering only the COPD patients with moderate disease impact, poor sleep was also a risk factor for MCI (OR = 1.210; 95% CI = 1.016-1.440; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

COPD patients with severe airflow limitation report a high prevalence of poor sleep quality and cognitive function. We observed a significant association between cognitive function and sleep quality.

Moderate-to-Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cognitive Function Impairment in Patients with COPD

Purpose

Prior studies have indicated that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exhibit significant cognitive defects on neuropsychological testing. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in patients with COPD and is associated with reduced cognitive function; however, the combined impact of these two conditions on cognitive function is unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of OSA on cognitive impairment in patients with COPD.

Methods

Sixty-five stable COPD patients aged over 60 years underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG). Global cognitive functions were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Results

Compared to patients with COPD alone, patients with both COPD and OSA performed worse on the MMSE (25.5±2.9 vs 23.5±3.2; p=0.01) and were more likely to be at risk for developing dementia based on the MMSE score (MMSE≤24) (31% vs 66%; p<0.01), independent of key demographic, educational and medical variables known to affect cognitive function in COPD. COPD patients with an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) of ≥30 events/h had lower MMSE scores than those with an AHI of <15 events/h. In addition to age and education level, the severity of nocturnal intermittent hypoxia is an independent predictor of the risk of dementia in patients with COPD (OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.48, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

The current findings indicate that patients with COPD with comorbid OSA may be at greater risk for global cognitive impairment relative to patients with COPD alone. The mechanisms underlying the exaggerated cognitive dysfunction seem to be related to intermittent hypoxia. Further work is needed to understand the impact of OSA on the specific domains of cognitive impairment and the therapeutic implications of OSA in COPD.

Changes in Spatial Working Memory in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Retrospective Study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible airflow limitation and is often accompanied by cognitive impairment. Little is known about the working memory of COPD patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the spatial working memory of COPD patients using the classical visuospatial working memory neuropsychological paradigms. This was a retrospective study of patients with COPD who were evaluated for neurocognitive functions between February and December 2018 at Hefei Second People's Hospital. Healthy controls (HC) were included. The neuropsychological tests included the Beijing Version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA), digit span test (DS), Chinese Auditory Verbal Learning Test (CAVLT), Stroop test, and Verbal Fluency Test (VFT). The COPD group performed worse in MoCA (22.3 ± 4.5 vs. 26.1 ± 2.9, P < 0.001), Stroop interference test (44.2 ± 16.9 vs. 36.8 ± 10.3, P = 0.038), and VFT (12.9 ± 2.8 vs. 15.3 ± 4.7, P = 0.021) vs. the HC group. Compared with the HC group, COPD patients had statistically significant differences with respect to 0-back RT (657 ± 46 vs. 578 ± 107, P = 0.001), 1-back accuracy (41.8 ± 12.1% vs. 81.5 ± 18.1%, P < 0.001), 1-back RT (592 ± 75 vs. 431 ± 138, P < 0.001), 2-back accuracy (31.4 ± 9.9% vs. 68.1 ± 16.6%, P < 0.001), and 2-back RT (563 ± 79 vs. 455 ± 153, P = 0.002). Only PaO₂ was independently associated with 0-back RT (B = 0.992 ± 0.428, P = 0.028) and 1-back ACC (B = 0.003 ± 0.001, P = 0.004). COPD patients exhibit impairment in working memory and executive function, but not in short- or long-term memory. The impairment of working memory in a patient with COPD may be more due to integrate memory information rather than to memory information storage. COPD patients exhibit a frontal-type cognitive decline.

Cognitive Dysfunction in Persons with Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries

Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is pervasive in individuals who have chronic spinal cord injuries (SCI). Although classically associated with concomitant traumatic brain injuries, many other causes have been proposed, including premorbid neuropsychological conditions, mood disorders, substance abuse, polypharmacy, chronic pain and fatigue, sleep apnea, autonomic dysregulation, post-intensive care unit syndrome, cortical reorganizations, and neuroinflammation. The consequences of CD are likely widespread, affecting rehabilitation and function. CD in those with SCI should be recognized, and potentially treated, in order to provide the best patient care.

Mid-Term Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Cognitive Function in People with Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Purpose

Cognitive dysfunction is a common impairment associated with COPD. However, little is known about 1) its prevalence among those subjects referred for pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), 2) how it may affect the benefit of PR, 3) whether PR improves cognitive function and 4) whether cognitive dysfunction affects the usability of telehealth technology usually used to deliver in-home PR.

Patients and Methods

Fifty-six subjects with stable COPD (54% females, mean age 62 years (SD 9) and median FEV₁ 0.9 L (IQR 0.7 to 1.1)) participated in this multicenter observational study and performed 24 sessions of PR. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool (MoCA) was used to assess the occurrence of mild cognitive dysfunction (using a screening cutoff <26) at baseline, completion of PR and 3 months of follow-up.

Results

Mild cognitive dysfunction was found in 41 subjects (73% [95% CI: 60 to 83%]). The MoCA score significantly improved following PR for those people with baseline mild cognitive dysfunction (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between those people with or without mild cognitive dysfunction following PR nor in the proportion of subjects who were autonomous in using the telemonitoring system (83% compared with 71%, p=0.60).

Conclusion

Mild cognitive dysfunction is highly prevalent among those people with COPD referred for PR but does not affect the benefits of PR nor the usability of a telemonitoring system. PR may improve short- and mid-term cognitive function for those people who experience mild cognitive dysfunction at the time they are referred to PR.

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

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.

Performance of facial expression classification tasks in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

People show a facial recognition speed advantage, termed positive classification advantage (PCA), when judging whether a facial expression is happy compared to angry or sad. This study investigated emotional face recognition by patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with impaired neurocognition.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with OSA and 26 healthy control patients who underwent 1 night of polysomnographic evaluation before recruitment were asked to complete an emotion recognition task. Accuracy rates and reaction times were recorded and analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

When participants were asked to classify positive (happy) versus negative (sad) emotional expressions, the phenomenon of PCA disappeared. Importantly, however, compared with the control patients who showed PCA, patients with OSA identified sad faces faster but were similar in processing happy faces.

CONCLUSIONS

In accordance with previous studies that showed depressive emotion in patients with OSA, our results indicate that patients with OSA show negative bias in facial expression recognition, which might lead to decline in ability of social communication.

Behavioural interventions targeting physical activity improve psychocognitive outcomes in COPD

This study explored the impact of a self-management behaviour modification (SMBM) programme with/without bronchodilators and with/without exercise training (ExT) to improve daily physical activity on psychological and cognitive outcomes in COPD patients as a secondary analysis of the PHYSACTO trial.

A 12-week, four-group, randomised, partially double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial of SMBM in addition to tiotropium 5 µg, tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 µg, tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 µg plus ExT, or placebo was conducted in 304 patients. Outcomes included anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)-A), depression (HADS-D and Patient-Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9) and cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)).

All outcomes showed statistically and clinically significant improvements after 12 weeks independent of treatment group. However, greater improvements in HADS-A and MoCA were seen in patients who exhibited greater increases in physical activity and exercise capacity, respectively, whereas greater improvements in HADS-D and PHQ-9 were seen in patients who exhibited increases in either physical activity or exercise capacity.

The results indicate that SMBM with/without bronchodilators or ExT was associated with improved psychological and cognitive functioning. Anxiety reduced with increased physical activity, cognitive function improved with increased exercise capacity, and depression reduced with increases in either physical activity or exercise capacity. Interventions that increase daily physical activity or exercise capacity may improve psychological and cognitive outcomes in COPD.

Behavioural modification adjunct to bronchodilator therapy and exercise training to increase exercise capacity and physical activity can also be beneficial for improving anxiety, cognitive function and depression in patients with COPDhttp://bit.ly/33ZufNM

Adenosine A2A receptor deficiency prevents p38MAPK activation and apoptosis of mouse hippocampal cells in the chronic hypoxic-hypercapnia model

This study aims to study the effects of adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) on hippocampal cell apoptosis and the putative mechanisms in a mouse model of chronic hypoxic-hypercapnia. Wild-type (WT) or A2AR knockout (A2AR KO) mice were randomly divided into normal control (NC) groups and chronic hypoxic-hypercapnia (4HH) groups. Compared with their corresponding NC groups (WT-NC and KO-NC), the apoptosis index (AI), caspase-3 activity, Bax mRNA and P-p38 protein expression in the hippocampus of 4HH groups (WT-4HH and KO-4HH) were significantly increased, while Bcl2 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, A2AR deficiency significantly rescued the effect of chronic hypoxic-hypercapnia on apoptosis when compared with the WT-4HH group (P &lt; 0.05). A2AR deficiency inhibits hippocampal cell apoptosis in mice exposed to chronic hypoxic-hypercapnia, which might be associated with dampened p38 MAPK activation and Bax mRNA expression, and augmented Bcl-2 mRNA expression.

The Effects of Repeated Dyspnea Exposure on Response Inhibition

In order to treat dyspnea (=breathlessness) successfully, response inhibition (RI) as a major form of self-regulation is a premise. This is supported by research showing that self-regulation is associated with beneficial behavioral changes supporting treatment success in patients. Recent research showed that dyspnea has an impairing effect on RI, but the effects of repeated dyspnea exposure on RI remain unknown. Therefore, the present study tested the effects of repeated resistive load-induced dyspnea on RI over a 5-day period. Healthy volunteers (n = 34) performed the standard version of the Stroop task during baseline and dyspnea conditions on the first and fifth testing day and underwent an additional dyspnea exposure phase on each testing day. Variables of interest to investigate RI were reaction time, accuracy as well as the event-related potentials late positive complex (LPC) and N400 in the electroencephalogram. Reduced accuracy for incongruent compared to congruent stimuli during the dyspnea condition on the first testing day were found (p < 0.001). This was paralleled by a reduced LPC and an increased N400 for incongruent stimuli during the induction of dyspnea (p < 0.05). After undergoing dyspnea exposure, habituation of dyspnea intensity was evident. Importantly, on the fifth testing day, no differences between baseline, and dyspnea conditions were found for behavioral and electrophysiological measures of RI. These findings demonstrate that the impairing effect of dyspnea on RI disappeared after repeated dyspnea exposure in healthy participants. Translated to a clinical sample, it might cautiously be suggested that dyspnea exposure such as dyspnea perceived during physical exercise could reduce the impairing effect of dyspnea on RI which might have the potential to help increase self-regulation abilities and subsequent treatment efforts in dyspneic patients.

People undertaking pulmonary rehabilitation are willing and able to provide accurate data via a remote pulse oximetry system: a multicentre observational study

QUESTIONS

Can people referred to pulmonary rehabilitation easily learn to use a system for remote transmission of oximetry data? Do they consider remote transmission of oximetry data to be satisfactory? Are the transmitted data valid compared with locally stored data?

DESIGN

Multicentre, prospective, observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and five adults with chronic respiratory disease who were referred to pulmonary rehabilitation.

INTERVENTION

At an initial session, participants were taught to record and transmit their oximetry data to a remote server. At subsequent testing session(s), participants were requested to independently activate and use the oximetry monitoring system for a period of exercise on a cycle ergometer, until autonomy with the system was demonstrated. A subgroup of five participants undertook five 45-minute training sessions to generate a dataset to assess whether the transmitted data were valid compared with the locally stored data.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome measures included the number of sessions needed to become autonomous, participant satisfaction with the system, and measures of the validity of the transmitted data.

RESULTS

Participants became autonomous quickly: 86% at the first testing session and 100% within three testing sessions. At least 98% of participants agreed that the system was easy to use and they would be willing to use it throughout pulmonary rehabilitation. The system transmitted usable data from 98% (95% CI 96 to 100) of sessions and introduced minimal artefact. Mean absolute differences were 0.365 beats/minute for heart rate and 0.133% for oxyhaemoglobin saturation. For heart rate, exact agreement was 72% (SD 9) and similar agreement (within 3 beats/minute) was 99% (SD 1). For oxyhaemoglobin saturation, exact agreement was 87% (SD 3) and similar agreement (within 3%) was 100% (SD 0).

CONCLUSION

The telemonitoring system used in this study was sufficiently valid and acceptable for use in at-home pulmonary rehabilitation by people with chronic respiratory disease.

STUDY REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03295474 and NCT03004716 (subgroup study).

COPD patient education and support - Achieving patient-centredness

BACKGROUND

The art of medicine is undergoing a dramatic shift in focus, evolving to focus on patient involvement as partners in care, transforming the traditional, prescriptive, reactive practice of healthcare into a proactive discipline. The personal and societal burden of chronic diseases is burgeoning and unsustainable in current systems, novel approaches are required to address this.

DISCUSSION

Although considerable progress has been made in the development of diagnostics, therapeutics and care guidelines for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), questions remain surrounding the implementation of best practice education and support. Current educational programmes, personal limitations and preferences and patient-clinician communication in modification of coping styles and behaviour are discussed. A novel holistic model, the Kaleidoscope Model of Care is proposed to address the barriers to optimal self-care behaviours.

CONCLUSION AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Holistic approaches are essential for optimal self-management and improved outcomes. Guidance on personalised goals for patients to help meeting their therapy priorities is needed to aid healthcare professionals (HCPs) and funders to minimise healthcare burden and costs. The novel KALMOD approach may optimise patient empowerment, exploring whole-life factors that impact COPD care and improve interactions between patients and HCPs for optimised outcomes.

Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Cognitive and Motor Performances in Dual-Task Walking

When two tasks are performed simultaneously, they compete for attentional resources, resulting in a performance decrement in one or both tasks. Patients with attention disorders have a reduced ability to perform several tasks simultaneously (e.g., talking while walking), which increases the fall risk and frailty. This study assessed the cognitive and motor performances of patients with COPD and healthy controls within a dual-task walking paradigm. A subobjective was to assess the impact of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on the dual-task performances in COPD. Twenty-five patients with COPD and 20 controls performed a cognitive task (subtraction) and a 15-m walking test separately (single-task; ST) and jointly (dual-task; DT). In addition, a subsample of 10 patients performed the same evaluations 5 weeks later after a pulmonary rehabilitation program following current recommendations. Cognitive and gait performances in ST showed no differences between patients with COPD and controls (all p > 0.05). However, COPD patients exhibited a greater increase in gait variability than controls in DT (4.07 ± 1.46% vs. 2.17 ± 0.7%, p < 0.001). The pulmonary rehabilitation program had no effect on the dual-task impairment for the subsample of patients (p = 0.87). This study provides evidence of insufficient attentional resources to successfully deal with DT in patients with COPD, and this was expressed through an exaggerated increase in gait variability in DT walking. Given the high risk of falls and disability associated with altered gait variability, dual-task training interventions should be considered in pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Cognitive impairment and clinical characteristics in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

We aimed to investigate (1) the relationship between cognitive impairment (CI) and disease severity and (2) the potential differences in exercise performance, daily activities, health status, and psychological well-being between patients with and without CI. Clinically stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, referred for pulmonary rehabilitation, underwent a neuropsychological examination. Functional exercise capacity (6-minute walk test [6MWT]), daily activities (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure [COPM]), health status (COPD Assessment Test [CAT]) and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire-COPD specific [SGRQ-C]), and psychological well-being (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS], Beck Depression Inventory [BDI], and Symptom Checklist 90 [SCL-90]) were compared between patients with and without CI. Of 183 COPD patients (mean age 63.6 (9.4) years, FEV₁ 54.8 (23.0%) predicted), 76 (41.5%) patients had CI. The prevalence was comparable across Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grades 1–4 (44.8%, 40.0%, 41.0%, 43.5%, respectively, p = 0.97) and GOLD groups A–D (50.0%, 44.7%, 33.3%, 40.2%, respectively, p = 0.91). Patients with and without CI were comparable for demographics, smoking status, FEV₁% predicted, mMRC, 6MWT, COPM, CAT, HADS, BDI, and SCL-90 scores. Clinical characteristics of COPD patients with and without CI are comparable. Assessment of CI in COPD, thus, requires an active case-finding approach.

The Relationship between Cerebral Small Vessel Disease, Hippocampal Volume and Cognitive Functioning in Patients with COPD: An MRI Study

The neural correlates of cognitive impairment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not yet understood. Structural brain abnormalities could possibly be associated with the presence of cognitive impairment through cigarette smoke, inflammation, vascular disease, or hypoxemia in these patients. This study aimed to investigate whether macrostructural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and hippocampal volume (HCV) are related to cognitive performance in patients with COPD. A subgroup of cognitively high and low-performing COPD patients of the COgnitive-PD study, underwent a brain 3T MRI. SVD as a marker of vascular damage was assessed using qualitative visual rating scales. HCV as a marker of neurodegeneration was assessed using the learning embedding for atlas propagation (LEAP) method. Features of SVD and HCV were compared between cognitively high and low-performing individuals using Mann Whitney U tests and independent samples t-tests, respectively. No group differences were reported between 25 high-performing (mean age 60.3 (standard deviation [SD] 9.7) years; 40.0% men; forced expiratory volume in first second [FEV₁] 50.1% predicted) and 30 low-performing patients with COPD (mean age 60.6 (SD 6.8) years; 53.3% men; FEV₁ 55.6% predicted) regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities and the presence of the SVD features and HCV. To conclude, the current study does not provide evidence for a relationship between cerebral SVD and HCV and cognitive functioning in patients with COPD. Additional studies will be needed to determine other possible mechanisms of cognitive impairment in patients with COPD, including microstructural brain changes and inflammatory-, hormonal-, metabolic- and (epi)genetic factors.

Cognitive impairment in COPD: should cognitive evaluation be part of respiratory assessment?

Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent in patients with COPD and demonstrates multiple detrimental effects on many aspects of patient state and therapeutic outcomes. It is attributed to several overlapping pathophysiological factors, with the most common being the low level of oxygen saturation due to respiratory insufficiency. Despite the impact of cognitive impairment on clinical outcomes, the screening for coexisting cognitive deficits which may interfere with the successful progress of respiratory treatment is yet neglected. There is a special consideration that cognitive deficits should be taken into account when developing respiratory therapy plans. Cognitively impaired patients are likely to require more support and have need of an individualised respiratory care plan which can also be beneficial for their cognitive deficits. Pulmonary rehabilitation as a multidisciplinary approach could be prioritised for COPD patients with cognitive impairment.

EDUCATIONAL AIMS

To illustrate the common signs of cognitive impairment and define potential associations between lung and cognitive dysfunction.To illustrate the potential influence of cognitive deficits on the optimal progress of respiratory therapy.To illustrate the importance of cognitive evaluation as part of a comprehensive clinical assessment for patients suspected of suffering cognitive impairment.

Domain-specific cognitive impairment in patients with COPD and control subjects

Impaired cognitive function is increasingly recognized in COPD. Yet, the prevalence of cognitive impairment in specific cognitive domains in COPD has been poorly studied. The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to compare the prevalence of domain-specific cognitive impairment between patients with COPD and non-COPD controls. A neuropsychological assessment was administered in 90 stable COPD patients and 90 non-COPD controls with comparable smoking status, age, and level of education. Six core tests from the Maastricht Aging Study were used to assess general cognitive impairment. By using Z-scores, compound scores were constructed for the following domains: psychomotor speed, planning, working memory, verbal memory, and cognitive flexibility. General cognitive impairment and domain-specific cognitive impairment were compared between COPD patients and controls after correction for comorbidities using multivariate linear and logistic regression models. General cognitive impairment was found in 56.7% of patients with COPD and in 13.3% of controls. Deficits in the following domains were more often present in patients with COPD after correction for comorbidities: psychomotor speed (17.8% vs 3.3%; P<0.001), planning (17.8% vs 1.1%; P<0.001), and cognitive flexibility (43.3% vs 12.2%; P<0.001). General cognitive impairment and impairments in the domains psychomotor speed, planning, and cognitive flexibility affect the COPD patients more than their matched controls.

Instability of Willingness to Accept Life-Sustaining Treatments in Patients With Advanced Chronic Organ Failure During 1 Year

BACKGROUND

For optimal end-of-life decision-making, it is important to understand the stability of patients' treatment preferences. The aim of this paper is to examine the stability of willingness to accept life-sustaining treatments during 1-year follow-up in Dutch patients with advanced chronic organ failure. In addition, we want to explore the association between willingness to accept high-burden treatment and preferences for CPR and mechanical ventilation (MV).

METHODS

In this multicenter longitudinal study, 265 clinically stable outpatients with advanced COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage III/IV [n = 105]), chronic heart failure (New York Heart Association class III/IV [n = 80]), or chronic renal failure (requiring dialysis [n = 80) were visited at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 months to assess the stability of life-sustaining treatment preferences using the Willingness to Accept Life-sustaining Treatment instrument.

RESULTS

Two hundred six patients completed 1-year follow-up (mean age, 67.2 years [SD, 13.1 years]; 64.1% men). Overall, proportions of patients who were willing to accept life-sustaining treatment during 1 year did not change over time. However, individual trajectories showed that about two-thirds of patients changed their preferences at least once during a year. Moreover, there was no association found between the stability of willingness to undergo high-burden therapy and the stability of preferences for CPR and MV.

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings show the complexity of preferences for end-of-life care and indicate once again that advance care planning is a continuous process between patients and physicians, in which preferences for specific situations are discussed and that needs to be regularly reevaluated to deliver high-quality end-of-life care.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands National Trial Register (NTR 1552).

Sleep quality disturbances and cognitive functioning in elderly patients with COPD

Information about the association between cognitive functions, such as copying function, and sleep disturbances in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is lacking. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to investigate the association between copying function and self-reported sleep quality disturbances and disease severity in an elderly COPD population.

Cognitive function performances, assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, were compared in 562 ambulatory COPD patients with and without sleep disturbances; assessed using the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly questionnaire; and stratified by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grades.

Sleep disturbances overall were not correlated with cognitive functioning. A trend was revealed towards worse design copying in patients with sleep disturbances overall. GOLD I patients with difficulties falling asleep and nocturnal awakenings had worse copying ability compared to GOLD I patients without these sleep disturbances. Copying ability was worse for GOLD III than GOLD I, orientation was worse for GOLD II than GOLD I and language was worse for GOLD II and III than GOLD I.

To conclude, sleep disturbances seem to be a weak correlate of cognitive functioning, and are not a marker of disease severity.

Sleep disturbances are a weak correlate of cognitive functioning in COPDhttp://ow.ly/gUhD301PvcQ

Effects of common chronic medical conditions on psychometric tests used to diagnose minimal hepatic encephalopathy

Many chronic medical conditions are accompanied by cognitive disturbances but these have only to a very limited extent been psychometrically quantified. An exception is liver cirrhosis where hepatic encephalopathy is an inherent risk and mild forms are diagnosed by psychometric tests. The preferred diagnostic test battery in cirrhosis is often the Continuous Reaction Time (CRT) and the Portosystemic Encephalopathy (PSE) tests but the effect on these of other medical conditions is not known. We aimed to examine the effects of common chronic (non-cirrhosis) medical conditions on the CRT and PSE tests. We studied 15 patients with heart failure (HF), 15 with end stage renal failure (ESRF), 15 with dysregulated type II diabetes (DMII), 15 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 15 healthy persons. We applied the CRT test, which is a 10-min computerized test measuring sustained attention and reaction time stability and the PSE test, which is a paper-pencil test battery consisting of 5 subtests. We found that a high fraction of the patients with HF (8/15, 0.002) or COPD (7/15, p = 0.006) had pathological CRT test results; and COPD patients also frequently had an abnormal PSE test result (6/15, p < 0.0001). Both tests were unaffected by ESRF and DMII. Half of the patients with HF or COPD had psychometrically measurable cognitive deficits, whereas those with ESRF or DMII had not. This adds to the understanding of the clinical consequences of chronic heart- and lung disease, and implies that the psychometric tests should be interpreted with great caution in cirrhosis patients with heart- or lung comorbidity.

Cognitive status among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PURPOSE

We investigated the association between cognitive impairment and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), taking into account demographic and clinical variables evaluated during routine practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis of a cross-sectional study that included subjects with stable COPD. Sociodemographic and clinical information was recorded using the Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea and Exacerbations index and the Charlson comorbidity index. Cognitive performance was studied by the mini-mental state examination, with a score less than 27 indicating clinical impairment. Depressive symptoms, physical activity, and quality of life (EuroQoL-5 dimensions and COPD Assessment Test) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The analysis included 940 subjects. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 39.4%. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that cognitive impairment was associated with educational level (odds ratio [OR] =0.096, 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.011-0.447) and poorer quality of life measured by the EuroQoL-5 dimensions social tariff (OR =0.967, 95% CI =0.950-0.983). When questionnaires were not included in the analysis, cognitive impairment was associated with educational level (OR =0.063, 95% CI =0.010-0.934), number of exacerbations (OR =11.070, 95% CI =1.450-84.534), Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea and Exacerbations index score (OR =1.261, 95% CI =1.049-1.515), and the Charlson comorbidity index (OR =1.412, 95% CI =1.118-1.783).

CONCLUSION

Cognitive impairment is common in COPD and is associated with low educational level, higher disease severity, and increased comorbidity. This could have therapeutic implications for this population.

Association of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Increased Confusion or Memory Loss and Functional Limitations Among Adults in 21 States, 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

INTRODUCTION

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with cognitive impairment, but consequences of this association on a person's functional limitations are unclear. We examined the association between COPD and increased confusion and memory loss (ICML) and functional limitations among adults with COPD.

METHODS

We studied adults aged 45 years or older in 21 states who participated in the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n = 102,739). Presence of COPD was based on self-reported physician diagnosis. ICML was based on self-report that confusion or memory loss occurred more often or worsened during the prior year. ICML-associated difficulties were defined as giving up household chores and former activities, decreased ability to work or engage in social activities, or needing help from family or friends during the prior year due to ICML. General limitations were defined as needing special equipment as a result of a health condition, having had activity limitations for 2 weeks or more in the prior month, or being unable to work. Multivariable models were adjusted for demographics, health behaviors or conditions, and frequent mental distress.

RESULTS

COPD was reported by 9.3% of adults. ICML was greater among those with COPD than among those without COPD (25.8% vs 11%; adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32%-1.66%). People with COPD, either with or without ICML, were more likely than those without COPD to report general functional limitations. Among people reporting ICML, those with COPD were more likely to report interference with work or social activities than those without COPD (aPR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01%-1.36%).

CONCLUSION

Functional limitations were greater among those with COPD than among those without, and ICML may further affect these limitations. Results from our study can inform future studies of self- management and functional limitations for people with COPD.

COPD and its comorbidities: Impact, measurement and mechanisms

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently coexists with other conditions often known as comorbidities. The prevalence of most of the common comorbid conditions that accompany COPD has been widely reported. It is also recognized that comorbidities have significant health and economic consequences. Nevertheless, there is scant research examining how comorbidities should be assessed and managed in the context of COPD. Also, the underlying mechanisms linking COPD with its comorbidities are still not fully understood. Owing to these knowledge gaps, current disease-specific approaches provide clinicians with little guidance in terms of managing comorbid conditions in the clinical care of multi-diseased COPD patients. This review discusses the concepts of comorbidity and multi-morbidity in COPD in relation to the overall clinical outcome of COPD management. It also summarizes some of the currently available clinical scores used to measure comorbid conditions and their prognostic abilities. Furthermore, recent developments in the proposed mechanisms linking COPD with its comorbidities are discussed.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cerebrovascular disease: A comprehensive review

Along with the aging population, the public health burden of cerebrovascular disease is increasing. Cerebral small vessel disease and accumulation of brain pathology associate with cognitive decline and can lead to clinical outcomes, such as stroke and dementia. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease among elderly. The quality of life and prognosis of patients with COPD is greatly determined by the presence of comorbidities including stroke and cognitive impairment. Despite the clinical relevance of cerebral small vessel disease, stroke and (vascular) cognitive impairment in patients with COPD, literature is scarce and underlying mechanisms are unknown. The aim of the present review is therefore to summarize current scientific knowledge, to provide a better understanding of the interplay between COPD and the aging brain and to define remaining knowledge gaps. This narrative review article 1) overviews the epidemiology of cerebral small vessel disease, stroke and cognitive impairment in patients with COPD; 2) discusses potential underlying mechanisms including aging, smoking, systemic inflammation, vasculopathy, hypoxia and genetic susceptibility; and 3) highlights areas requiring further research.

Comorbidity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) often experience comorbid conditions. The most common comorbidities that have been associated with COPD include cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, metabolic disorder, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression, skeletal muscle dysfunction, cachexia, gastrointestinal diseases, and other respiratory conditions. Not only are comorbidities common but they also considerably influence disease prognosis and patients׳ health status, and are associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, perusal of literature indicates that little has been done so far to effectively assess, manage, and treat comorbidities in patients with COPD. The aim of this review is to comprehensively narrate the comorbid conditions that often coexist with COPD, along with their reported prevalence and their significant impacts in the disease management of COPD. A perspective on integrated disease management approaches for COPD is also discussed.