ABSTRACT

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized with air flow limitation. Cognitive problems can appear in advanced stage of COPD. There is relationship between COPD and levels of homocystein (hcy) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). There is also relationship between cognitive dysfunction and levels of hcy and TAC. We aimed evaluation of cognitive functions in patients with COPD, and demonstration of the relationship between cognitive function and hcy and TAC.

Twenty-eight hypoxic (group 1), 28 non-hypoxic COPD patients (group 2) and 25 healthy people (control group, group 3) were included to study. Hcy and TAC levels were measured in all subjects. Cognitive functions were evaluated in all subjects with standardized mini mental test (SMMT), clock drawing test (CDT), Blessed orientation memory concentration test (BOMCT), Benton’s facial recognition test (BFRT) and clinical dementia rating scale (CDRS).

Hcy levels were high in group 1 (p=0.004), TAC levels were high in group 1 and 2 (p=0.04). SMMT (p=0.000) and CDT values were low in group1 (p=0.000), CDRS values were high in group1 and 2 (p=0.000), BFRT values were low in group1 and 2 (p=0.000), BOMCT values were high in group1 (p=0.000). There were a correlation between TAC and SMMT (r=0.582, p=0.001) and CDRS (r= -0.384, p=0.044).

We demonstrated presence of cognitive dysfunction in COPD patients. Patients with hypoxic had more profound cognitive dysfunction. In addition, we demonstrated a relationship between TAC and cognitive dysfunction.

Keywords: Chronic obsructive pulmonary disease, cognitive tests, homocysteine, total antioxidant capacity