Cognitive impairment is common among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and significantly impacts their quality of life. While previous studies have suggested a link between COPD and cognitive decline, the prevalence rates remain inconsistent due to variations in study designs, participant characteristics, and assessment methods. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore whether COPD is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment. A total of 12 studies involving 625,644 participants were included, sourced from multiple databases, and analyzed for this purpose.
The results indicated that patients with COPD had a higher risk of cognitive impairment compared with those without the condition. Subgroup analysis revealed that the association between COPD and cognitive impairment was not influenced by age or gender. Additionally, patients with COPD were more likely to develop non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment (na-MCI) rather than amnestic MCI. The study concludes that continuous monitoring of cognitive function is essential for patients with COPD, given their elevated risk of cognitive decline, particularly na-MCI.
Reference: Chen X, Yu Z, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Li S, Wang L. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a risk factor for cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Respir Res. 2024;11(1):e001709. doi: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-001709.
