COPD-Related Physiology and the Brain

Assessments include: Paper and pencil computerized measures of Memory, Language, Visuospatial Function, Executive Functioning-Processing Speed, and Attention

Pre and post bronchodilator spirometry will be administered according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines.

Radial artery blood sample will be collected to measure gas exchange hemoglobin; arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide will be examined as potential covariates.

For measurement of gas exchange in the lung. DLCO adjusted for hemoglobin will be the primary variable of interest and will be examined as a potential covariate.

Distance walked in 6 minutes will be the primary outcome.

Carotid artery ultrasound, pulse wave velocity, brachial artery endothelium-dependent flow mediated dilation and endothelium-independent dilation will be measured.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and fibrinogen will be used as indicators of systemic inflammation, complete blood count with differential (CBC with diff) will be obtained to rule out acute infection as a cause of inflammation.

M.I.N.I Screen 7.0.0, Beck Depression Inventory-II (DBI-II), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), MMRC Dyspnea Scale (MMRC), Berlin Questionnaire

Primary neuroimaging outcomes of interest are white matter structural integrity