Hypertension, depression and cognitive function impairment in elderly / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the relationship between hypertension, depression and cognitive function in elderly. Methods General conditions and health status were surveyed in 207 individuals, which were divided into hypertension group, depression group, hypertension and depression group and controls. Patients cognitive function was assessed by the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), depression severity was detected by Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAMD) , other relative data were collected. Results Elderly patients with depression were more inclined to live alone. Comparing with control, hypertension patients had lower attention and calculation. Depression patients had lower orientation, attention, calculation and linguistic ability ( P < 0.05). Compared with hypertension patients, patients combined with depression had significantly lower MMSE scores, orientation, recall and language ( P <0. 05). Patients with hypertension and depression had lower attention and calculation, compared with hypertension a-lone patients ( P <0. 05 ). MMSE scores of depressed patients were negatively related to HAMD scores ( r = -0. 706, P <0.01). Logistic regression revealed depression or combination of hypertension and depression were related to impairment of cognitive ability ( P < 0.01). Conclusion Both hypertension and depression in the elderly impaired cognitive function. The cognitive function impairment in elderly was closely associated with hypertension and depression. Prevention and control of hypertension and depression might be helpful in slowing down impairment of cognitive function in elderly.