Cognitive function and its effects on the quality of life status in the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

The objective of the present study was to determine the relationships between the cognitive function and quality of life in the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thirty-two patients with stable COPD (mean age 66.7 ± 2.5 years) and 26 healthy community residents (mean age 65.7 ± 7.3 years) were included in the present study. Cognitive status was measured using a modified mini mental state examination (MMSE) and quality of life status using the health survey questionnaire short form-36 (SF-36). The patients with COPD were mildly hypoxemic and their lung function was significantly poorer than in the healthy group (p = 0.001). The quality of life scores were lower in the patients with COPD than in the healthy subjects (p = 0.01). Impaired cognitive function in the patients with COPD and healthy subjects was not found (the mean MMSE scores 24.8 ± 2.0 versus 25.4 ± 3.2 for COPD and healthy groups, respectively, p = 0.49). No correlation was found between the SF-36 and MMSE and spirometric values in either of groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the cognitive function of COPD patients with mild hypoxemia may not be impaired in spite of their poor quality of life status.