Confirmation of Candidature - Candidate : Josh Rands

Chronic respiratory diseases affect an individual's airways, lungs, and respiratory muscles. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease and was the third leading cause of death worldwide in 2019, with over three million deaths.  

Current research suggests that cognitive function, whether general or specific domains, is lower in patients with COPD compared with age-matched healthy controls. In contrast, the effects of COPD on cerebrovascular function are more controversial, but COPD severity appears to correlate with lower cerebral blood flow (CBF). 

The mechanisms for reduced cognitive function in COPD include hypoxemia and systemic inflammation. Several mechanisms have been posited for the reduced cerebrovascular function in COPD patients, such as endothelial dysfunction and hypoxia. However, the relationships between these have not been fully investigated due to the complex system involved with CBF regulation. There is some research that suggests increases in CBF from acute exercise can increase cognitive function. However, the findings have been inconsistent and affected by various factors. At present, research has yet to investigate the potential links between reduced cerebrovascular and cognitive function in COPD patients.

Hence, I will conduct a systematic review of cerebrovascular and cognitive function in COPD patients and provide foundational mechanistic data for future research in this area. Secondly, I will provide evidence of the link between cerebrovascular and cognitive function by altering the work of breathing in healthy young adults. Finally, I will conduct a study that investigates the link between cerebrovascular and cognitive function in COPD patients, which may lead to a better understanding of these comorbidities in COPD, and to interventions to help improve their quality of life.

For more information, please email the Graduate Research School or phone 0746 311088.