The physical, mental, and social impact of COPD in a population-based sample: results from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam

The physical, mental, and social impact of COPD in a population-based sample: results from the Longitudinal Aging Study AmsterdamThe physical, mental, and social impact of COPD in a population-based sample: results from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, Published online: 10 August 2018; doi:10.1038/s41533-018-0097-3Patients with early-stage chronic lung disease need holistic support to limit the physical, mental and social impacts of the condition. There is more to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than persistent airflow limitation; systemic effects, including loss of muscle strength and higher risk of heart conditions, mental health and social problems can manifest from the early stages. Frits Franssen at CIRO, the Netherlands, and co-workers interviewed 810 participants aged 55–65 from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam to investigate the physical, mental and social status of COPD sufferers and compare them with healthy controls. Those with COPD were more likely to walk slower, tire easily and perceive themselves as having poor overall health. Socially, COPD patients were less likely to have long-term partners and felt the need for more emotional support than their healthy peers.

Source: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine - August 10, 2018 Category: Primary Care Authors: Frits M. E. Franssen Dionne E. Smid Dorly J. H. Deeg Martijn Huisman Jan Poppelaars Emiel F. M. Wouters Martijn A. Spruit Source Type: research