COPD patients have a higher risk of brain problems, possibly due to inflammation

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a higher chance of suffering from brain-related problems such as anxiety, depression and memory problems. PhD candidate Charlotte Pelgrim discovered that inflammation in the brain and a less protective barrier of the blood vessels in the brain may play a role. She also showed that anti-inflammatory nutrients in the diet could have a positive effect on the psychological well-being of COPD patients. Pelgrim will defend her dissertation today. COPD is a chronic lung disease that is usually caused by smoking. Patients with COPD suffer from bronchitis, inflammation of the lower airways, and pulmonary emphysema, damaged air sacs. As a result, they have difficulty breathing and tire easily.