AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightDecreased cognitive flexibility may be associated with functional impairment through increased symptom perception and slowed cognitive tempo.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Aims: The present study aims to examine differences in cognitive flexibility and sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) levels in individuals diagnosed with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to disease stage and to evaluate the independent and indirect relationships of these cognitive processes on daily functioning. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 162 COPD patients classified according to GOLD 2024 criteria (GOLD A=46, GOLD B=55, GOLD E=61). Participants were administered the SCT Scale, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and Functional Assessment Short Scale (FAST). Variables predicting daily functioning and SCT were examined using hierarchical regression analyses; mediating relationships were assessed using the PROCESS macro. Results: SCT levels were significantly higher in advanced COPD groups (p=0.015). In hierarchical regression, SCT was the strongest predictor of daily functioning (β=0.35, p 0.05). Simple mediation analysis showed that the effect of cognitive flexibility on functionality occurred through SCT (indirect effect=-0.179, 95% CI [-00.261, -0.105]). In the serial mediation model, the path CFI → CAT → SCT → FAST was found to be significant (indirect effect=-0.078, 95% CI [-0.140, -0.029]). Conclusion: In COPD, daily functioning is related more to symptom burden and especially SCT than to spirometric severity. Decreased cognitive flexibility may be associated with functional impairment through increased symptom perception and slowed cognitive tempo.