Cardiovascular risk factors among elderly with cognitive impairment in urban primary care

Abstract

Background Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors are common in elderly but their frequency in those with cognitive impairment is not known. Also, the relationship that they have with cognitive impairment is complex and under investigation. It has been stressed that controlling CV risk factors can reduce risk of cognitive decline. Majority of the data in this regard has come from the tertiary care institutions and ours is first such study assessing frequency of vascular risks and their relationship with cognitive impairment in primary care setting. Aim A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the frequency of CV risk factors among elderly in primary care in Western India, screen them using mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and see if there was any relationship of the same with cognitive impairment.