Association between cognitive decline and activities of daily living decline in patients undergoing long-term oxygen therapy: a prospective observational pilot study

Abstract

Purpose Patients undergoing long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) are predisposed to progressive cognitive decline; however, the association between cognitive decline progression and activities of daily living (ADL) decline has not been described. We aimed to describe the association between cognitive decline progression and ADL decline in patients undergoing LTOT. Materials and methods In this prospective observational pilot study, data were collected at baseline and 1-year following the ambulatory recruitment of patients in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at the National Hospital Organization Nishiniigata Chuo Hospital. We recruited 96 patients with chronic respiratory disease undergoing LTOT, and 55 patients who completed a 1-year follow-up were finally included. Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Montreal Cognitive Assessment score reduction (a measure of cognitive decline) was associated with Barthel index score reduction (a measure of ADL) at 1-year follow-up (odds ratio: 3.98; 95% confidence interval: 1.16 − 13.69; p = 0.02). Conclusion A progression of cognitive decline in patients undergoing LTOT may affect ADL decline. An early detection of cognitive decline in patients undergoing LTOT is essential for ADL maintenance in rehabilitation practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Patients undergoing long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) present with progressive cognitive decline. Cognitive decline progression is associated with a decline in activities of daily living in patients undergoing LTOT. A periodic cognitive assessment is important in rehabilitation practice for the early detection of progressive cognitive decline in patients undergoing LTOT.