A COMPARISON OF COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN STABLE PATIENTS WITH COPD AND AGE-MATCHED HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS USING MINI-MENTAL STATE EXAMINATION QUESTIONNAIRE

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an airway disease characterized by air flow limitation and is not fully reversible. COPD is a multisystem disorder and is a major public health problem. Cognitive dysfunction is common and clinically important in COPD patients. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) in screening cognitive function in 50 clinically stable patients with COPD with mean age of 50.12 years and 50 healthy controls with mean age of 51.72 years. This case control study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Kilpauk Medical College, from September 2012 to August 2013. Data were analyzed by independent samples t-test. Stable COPD patients scored a mean of 22.34 (borderline impaired cognitive functions) and control group scored a mean of 25.84. The mean MMSE score was significantly lower in stable COPD patients. A score of 23 and above out of 50 is considered as normal cognitive function. In conclusion, MMSE can be used as a screening tool to detect cognitive dysfunction in stable COPD patients.