Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective To investigate associations between respiratory capacity, quality of life and cognitive function in elderly individuals.Methods The sample included 386 elderly individuals (232 women). Respiratory capacity assessment was based on maximal expiratory pressure measured at peak expiratory flow. Subjects were classified according to peak expiratory flow values adjusted for sex, age and height of individuals with normal (peak expiratory flow curve <80% and >60%) or reduced (peak expiratory flow curve < 60%) respiratory capacity. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Mini-Mental State Examination were used to assess quality of life and cognitive function, respectively.Results Elderly women with reduced respiratory capacity scored lower on the Mini-Mental State Examination (p=0.048) and quality of life questionnaire (p=0.040) compared to those with normal respiratory capacity. These differences were not observed in men (p>0.05).Conclusion Reduced respiratory capacity was associated with poorer quality of life and cognitive function in elderly women. These associations were not observed in elderly men.
Highlights
Aging promotes lung structural and physiological changes associated with reduced lung function and respiratory capacity
Clinical and population-based studies have shown that respiratory function is associated with cognitive disorders in older adults.[3,4,5] These associations have been attributed to hypoxia-induced changes in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, with resulting mental confusion and memory impairment.[6]. Reduced cognitive function have direct impacts on the quality of life of older adults.[7,8] psycho-emotional disorders, such as low self-esteem and depression, may be associated with impaired respiratory function
Women have more comorbidities, faster respiratory function decline and higher prevalence of incapacity compared to elderly men.[9]. According to a recent study, peak expiratory flow (PEF) is associated with functional variables, such as handgrip strength and performance in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in women, but not in men.[10]
Summary
Aging promotes lung structural and physiological changes associated with reduced lung function and respiratory capacity. Evidence of reduced cognitive performance and poor quality of life in older adults with impaired respiratory function has been given.[6] it is unclear whether these associations are sex-dependent. Women have more comorbidities, faster respiratory function decline and higher prevalence of incapacity compared to elderly men.[9] According to a recent study, peak expiratory flow (PEF) is associated with functional variables, such as handgrip strength and performance in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in women, but not in men.[10]. Cognitive performance and quality of life of elderly men and women with preserved or reduced PEF were compared to investigate potential sex-related differences
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