Cognitive and depressive disorders in older hypertensive patients

Abstract

Arterial hypertension is a main risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and death, as well as cognitive and mood disorders. The purpose of this research was to assess the frequency of cognitive decline and depressive disorders in older hypertensive patients. 117 patients aged 50 - 89 were investigated using the MMSE, Mini-Cog tests, and the Geriatric Depressives scale. Cognitive dysfunction was registered in 24% and 30% of older hypertensive patients explored by MMSE and Mini-Cog, respectively. Mild cognitive decline prevailed. The frequency of cognitive impairments increased with age mostly in men. Depressive disorders were frequent (nearly 34 %) among older hypertensive patients. Mild mood disorders were 3 times more common than moderate. Female gender was associated with depression severity. The multimorbidity level correlated with the Geriatric Depression Scale score (r = 0.22, P < 0.05). There was a correlation between MMSE and the Geriatric Depression Scale score (r = 0.255, P = 0.006) Given the multimorbidity, not only the age and hypertension itself but also concomitant pathology should be considered as a significant factor for cognitive decline and depressive mood disorders as well as their association. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Keywords: older patients, arterial hypertension, geriatric screening, cognitive decline, depressive mood