Effect of long-term inhaled corticosteroids therapy on cognitive function in patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are prominent therapies for managing both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has been noted that cognitive impairment is usually linked to high levels of corticosteroids in the blood. This investigation aims to ascertain how long-term inhaled corticosteroid treatment affects individuals with bronchial asthma and COPD's cognitive performance. A total of 139 inpatients diagnosed with COPD and bronchial asthma were enrolled in the study of which 43 were newly diagnosed (group 1), 34 were taking ICS for 0.5-1 year (group 2) and 62 were on long-term ICS, that is, for >2 years (group 3). Patients with a score of at least 24 were considered to have normal cognitive function as prescribed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale. It was observed that 56 patients (90.3%) were on long-term ICS treatment, 25 patients (73.5%) were on intermediate therapy and 27 patients (62.7%) who were newly diagnosed had cognitive impairment. In conclusion, the duration of ICS therapy was significantly associated with a decline in cognitive function.