Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in elderly subjects: impact on functional status and quality of life

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important cause of morbidity and disability. Many studies have investigated factors influencing quality of life (QoL) in middle-aged COPD sufferers, but little attention has been given to elderly COPD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of COPD on QoL and functional status in the elderly. Sixty COPD patients and 58 healthy controls over 65 years old were administered Pulmonary Function Tests, 6min Walking Test (6MWD) for exercise tolerance, the Barthel Index and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) for functional status, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for mood, and the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) for QoL. FEV 1 and P aO 2 were reduced in COPD patients. Also the distance walked during 6MWD was significantly shorter for patients than controls (282.5±89.5 vs. 332.9±95.2m; P