Pulmonary function, cognitive impairment and brain atrophy in a middle-aged community sample

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship of lung function to brain anatomical parameters and cognitive function and to examine the mediating factors for any relationships. Methods: A random sub-sample of 469 persons (men = 252) aged 60-64 years from a larger community sample underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scans and pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity, FVC, forced expiratory volume in the first second, FEV1). Subjects were assessed for global cognitive function, episodic memory, working memory, information processing speed, fine motor dexterity and grip strength. The magnetic resonance imaging scans were analysed for overall brain atrophy, subcortical atrophy (ventricl..