Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Cognitive Function in Patients With Severe to Very Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is a systemic disease which includes pulmonary, cardiac, muscular, digestive and cognitive impairments. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a symptomatic treatment to reduce dyspnea and functional incapacity. However, it effects on cognitive dysfunction are not well known. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program on cognitive dysfunction in patients with severe to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool.