Poor Lung Health Linked to Dementia

The results of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found persons with midlife lung disease and reduced lung function are at a modestly elevated risk for dementia and mild cognitive impairment later, reports Pulmonology Consultant . From 1987 to 1989, 14,184 participants underwent spirometry and were queried about their lung health. Development of dementia and mild cognitive impairment was tracked, defined by hospitalization diagnosis codes, from 1987 to 2013. From 2011 to 2013, 42 percent received a comprehensive neurocognitive examination. Subjects exhibiting restrictive and obstructive lung disease were more likely to develop dementia or mild cognitive impairment versus those lacking those ailments, though the association was stronger for restrictive impairment than for obstructive lung disease. Associations were similar in nonsmokers, and present for both Alzheimer's-related dementia and cerebrovascular etiologies. "If the observed associations are causal, policy and public health efforts to reduce smoking and improve air quality may have the added benefit of preventing the development of dementia and mild cognitive impairment," the researchers suggested.