pCO2 Oscillations During Exercise: Relation to Cerebral Blood Flow and to Cognitive Dysfunction in COPD

Investigators wish to identify a relationship between substantial changes in carbon dioxide partial-pressure (pCO2), which frequently occur during the transitions from rest to exercise (ΔpCO2 \>4 millimeters of mercury \[mmHg\] from baseline), and the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction in COPD. In particular, it is anticipated to investigate the vascular effect of pCO2 oscillations in the regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) during exercise and its impact on cognitive function in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Furthermore, this study aims to examine whether major pCO2 oscillations have prognostic value in cognitive deterioration at 6, 12, and 18-month follow-up. In addition, the acute effect of 3-week pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on cognitive function will be explored. The evaluation of cognitive function will be performed by the use of Standardized Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE), Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-R), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) assessing several cognitive domains (cognitive scores) whereas Stroop test \[color reading interference\] will be used for measuring cognitive performance (Reaction-Time).