Imagine your brain is like a library, storing all your memories and knowledge. Well, for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the risk of dementia or cognitive impairment may be higher than for those without COPD, like having a higher chance of books going missing from the shelves. A recent meta-analysis of cohort studies found that COPD patients were associated with a significant increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. The risk was not affected by gender but seemed to be linked to age, with younger COPD patients having the most pronounced risk. The study included over 428,000 participants and used the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale to evaluate the quality. So, if you or someone you know has COPD, it’s essential to be aware of this potential risk and take appropriate steps to maintain brain health. To learn more about the research behind this association, check out the full article!
PurposeA meta-analysis of cohort studies was performed to evaluate the association between COPD and the risk of dementia or cognitive impairment.MethodsCohort studies that evaluated the association between COPD and the risk of dementia or cognitive impairment were identified by a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. The search time frame was from database establishment to April 12, 2022, with two reviewers independently screening the literature and extracting data. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was used to conduct the quality evaluation. Then, a meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.1 software.ResultsSix cohort studies including 428,030 participants were included. The overall quality of the included studies was high, with an average NOS score of over 7. Meta-analysis showed that compared to those without COPD at baseline, patients with COPD were associated with a significant increased risk of dementia (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.03 ~ 1.50, I2 = 96.6%, z = 2.25, p = 0.024) and cognitive impairment (RR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.13 ~ 1.49, I2 = 50.1%, z = 3.72, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis suggested no significant difference in the risk of dementia among COPD patients of different genders. Nevertheless, in terms of age, the risk of dementia varied among COPD patients of different ages, which was most distinguished in patients younger than 65 years.ConclusionCOPD patients have a higher risk of developing dementia or cognitive impairment compared to those without COPD, and this risk is not affected by gender but seems to be associated with age.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022325832.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.