Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a primary airway inflammatory disease characterized by irreversible airflow limitation that results in hypoxemia and hypercapnia. The central nervous system is particularly vulnerable to hypoxemic insults and systemic inflammatory stress. Some studies have shown that COPD patients exhibit earlier cognitive decline or are more likely to have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). To further examine this association, researchers conducted a prospective, population-based cohort study including 1425 individuals with normal cognition at baseline. Participants underwent assessment with a nurse interview, neurological examination, and neuropsychological testing at baseline and every 15 months. The investig…