Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Associated With Cognitive Impairment: Possible Causality Factor

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a preventable and underdiagnosed pathology, can be defined as a progressive and poorly reversible limitation to airflow as a result of a persistent inflammatory response due to inhalation of harmful substances, particularly tobacco smoke. The disease has a systemic impact. Among other conditions, it may increase the risk of cognitive impairment along with its associated consequences.

Prospective, cross-sectional, observational and analytical design. The space were COPD patients who visited in two health institutions from June 2017 to September 2018. Non-probabilistic and convenience sampling. Data were collected on demographics, tobacco consumption, comorbidities (Charlson index), a validated scale for dyspnea (MCRm), the main symptom in COPD and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) were applied along with a history of exacerbation of the disease. The severity of COPD was evaluated by spirometry according to GOLD guideline. Cognitive impairment was assessed using Neuropsi.

The final sample consisted of 44 subjects. According to spirometry and GOLD, 7 patients (15.9%) classified in group 1 (mild), 19 (43.2%) in group 2 (moderate), 11 (25%) in group 3 (severe) and 7 (15.9%) in group 4 (very serious). Of the 44 patients recruited, 28 (63.6%) had normal cognitive function and 16 (36.3%) had some degree of cognitive impairment. Memory was the most compromised function.

Difficulties in recruitment impeded reaching the expected sample size. However, a trend was observed favoring the association. It is important to insist on avoiding smoking because it seems to increase the risk of cognitive impairment that further disrupts the quality of life and makes treatment difficult.