Neuropsychological test performance in mildly hypoxemic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Previous research has demonstrated neuropsychological deficits in moderately to severely hypoxemic, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The present article reports on the neuropsychological functioning of mildly hypoxemic COPD patients. 100 patients (mean age 61.5 yrs) and 25 controls (mean age 59.6 yrs) matched on relevant variables were given extensive neuropsychological tests including the WAIS, Wechsler Memory Scale, and Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery. Mild neuropsychological impairment was observed in the COPD Ss, with overall indexes of neuropsychological dysfunction correlating with resting partial pressure of oxygen. Depression and motivation to perform could not account for the results. Long-term reduced oxygen supply to the brain may account for these observed deficits. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1983 American Psychological Association