Arunkumar C1, Srinivas Kosgi2
BACKGROUND
Arterial hypertension and blood pressure level are associated with cognitive impairment. Susceptible people, especially cerebral ischaemia are having more severe cognitive impairment. Elevated blood pressure for long term contributes to cognitive impairment in later life.
The aim of this study is to determine the cognitive dysfunctions in essential hypertensives.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
It was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted among 300 subjects who were diagnosed as essential hypertensives were chosen by simple random sampling from the inpatient and outpatient facility of Department of Medicine, Father Muller’s Medical College. The socio-demographic data of hypertensives was collected on a semi-structured proforma. Patients were assessed for cognitive dysfunctions using the Standardised Mini Mental Status Examination (SMMSE) and Brief Cognitive Rating Scale (BCRS). Data was analysed using SPSS 18 software.
RESULTS
Mean age group of patients was 51.67 years, majority of the patients were males and were urban domicile. Majority of patients had primary level of education. Majority of patients had positive relation between cognitive deficiency and their hypertensive status was measured using Standardised Mini Mental Status Examination (SMMSE) and Brief Cognitive Rating Scale (BCRS).
CONCLUSION
The study showed that there are significant cognitive deficits in hypertensives. SMMSE (Standardised Mini Mental Status Examination) and BCRS (Brief Cognitive Rating) Scales were used to measure Cognitive deficits, which were very closely related to hypertension.
