Author(s): PONLASEN, S., TONGTAKO, W., TARUMI, T., Institution: CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY, Country: THAILAND, Abstract-ID: 1520

INTRODUCTION:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between the cognitive changes of normal aging and early dementia [1]. MCI is rapidly becoming one of the most common clinical manifestations affecting the elderly [2]. Some studies showed that various pulmonary measures are associated with cognitive function. However, there has been limited investigation into this matter regarding cognitive impairment among community-dwelling individuals, particularly in relation to considering pulmonary function. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to determine the association between pulmonary function and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
METHODS:
This study included 21 individuals diagnosed with MCI, aged between 64 and 77 years, with cognitive scores ranging from 17 to 24 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Executive function was assessed using the Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B). Pulmonary function, specifically Force Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) were evaluated using a computerized spirometer (SpirobankG). The cognitive function and pulmonary function variables were analyzed using Person’s correlations.
RESULTS:
The correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between MoCA scores and FVC (r = 0.470, p < 0.032) and MoCA scores and FEV1 (r = 0.476, p < 0.029). Additionally, a moderate negative correlation was observed between TMT-B and FVC (r = -0.618, p < 0.003). Nevertheless, No significant changes in MoCA scores and MVV (r = 0.315, p < 0.165).
CONCLUSION:
Based on the present findings, there appears to be an association between higher pulmonary function and a reduced incidence of cognitive impairment. This positive relationship between pulmonary function and cognitive performance was particularly pronounced among older adults with MCI.

References:
1. Vega JN, Newhouse PA. Mild cognitive impairment: diagnosis, longitudinal course, and emerging treatments. Curr Psychiatry Rep, 2014, 16:490.
2. Mufson EJ, Binder L, Counts SE, DeKosky ST, de Toledo-Morrell L, Ginsberg SD, Ikonomovic MD, Perez SE, Scheff SW. Mild cognitive impairment: pathology and mechanisms. Acta Neuropathol, 2012, 123(1) p.13-30.