Cognitive Screening in Elderly Hypertensive Patients and Impact on Activities of Daily Living and on their Treatment: A Descriptive Study from a South Indian Tertiary-Care Medical College

Abstract Background: Hypertension in the elderly is strongly associated with cognitive impairment, which can significantly affect activities of daily living (ADL). Early screening can guide timely interventions and improve quality of life in elderly like by preventing falls.Objective: To assess cognitive status using MoCA/MMSE in elderly hypertensive patients and evaluate its impact on ADL. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 150 patients (≥60 years) in the Neurology OPD of a tertiary care medical college. Standardized tools (MoCA/MMSE for cognition, Barthel Index for ADL) were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation. Results: Mean age was 68.4 ± 6.1 years, with 56% males. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was detected in 42% of patients, moderate in 15%, severe in 3%, and normal cognition in 40%. Significant negative correlation was observed between cognitive scores and ADL scores (r = –0.58, p<0.001). Patients with MCI had 20% lower ADL performance scores than those with normal cognition. Conclusion: Cognitive decline is common among elderly hypertensive patients and correlates strongly with functional impairment. Routine cognitive screening.