The relationship between lung function and cognitive function in older adults - examining differences between men and women

Abstract

Aims
This study examined the relationship between lung function and cognitive function in older adults. Findings from previous studies are inconsistent and differences between men and women have not been examined.

Methods
Older adults (256 females and 239 males) who completed the 1947 Scottish Mental Survey of childhood intelligence were assessed at age 64. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and cognitive ability were evaluated. The relationship between lung function and cognitive function was examined, adjusting for childhood intelligence, education, smoking, height, and weight.

Results
Women had higher scores on tests of memory (Mean = 48.81) and speed of processing (Mean = 45.16) than men (Mean = 41.44 and 41.34, respectively) at age 64. Men had higher inductive reasoning (Mean = 36.51) and FEV1 (Mean = 2.57) scores than women (Mean = 35.03 and 1.92, respectively). Positive associations between lung function and reading (C.R. = 2.51), inductive reasoning (C.R. = 2.41), and processing speed (C.R. = 2.76) were observed for women, but not men.

Discussion
The relationship between lung function and cognitive function differs for men and women. Longitudinal research is needed explore these differences.