Relation of Respiratory Function and Functional Capacity, Body Composition in Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease

Introduction: There is growing evidence demonstrating an association between dementia and pulmonary functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pulmonary function and functional capacity, cognition and body composition in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Method: In this study, 35 volunteer individuals diagnosed with AD (age:75.42±7.43 years, BMI:28.5±5.25kg/m2). Age, gender and smoking habits of the participants were recorded. PEF, FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC values were measured by spirometry. Functional assesment was performed with 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT). Body weight measurements were performed using TANITA©SC-330 bioelectrical impedance analysis system. Statistical analysis was performed by Spearman correlation analysis in SPSS 22.0 package program. Results: Six individuals were excluded from the study because the criteria of the standardized PFT protocol could not be met due to cognitive impairment. PEF, FEV1 and FVC were positive correlation between 6MWTs (p=0.004, rho=0.567; p=0.004, rho=0.565; p=0.006, rho=0.544). There was a significant relationship between PEF and BMI, total muscle and bone ratio (p=0.01, rho=0.504; p=0.032, rho=0.618; p=0.02, rho=0.660); no significant correlation was found between respiratory parameters and body fat rate and basal metabolic rate. Discussion: Low muscle-bone ratio and low BMI caused by aging and dementia may be associated with PEF. With a multidisciplinary approach, AD patients should monitored the cognitive and functional level as well as respiratory-related parameters.