Comparison of Cognitive Functioning Among Hypertensive and Non-Hypertensive Person

Abstract

Background: Cognitive skill is also called cognitive functioning; cognitive capacities and cognitive abilities are brain-based skills, which are important for manipulation of acquired information, acquisition of knowledge and reasoning. The literature suggests cognitive impairment is common in older population.

Aim of the study: To compare the level of cognitive functioning among hypertensive and non-hypertensive person.

Method: Quantitative research descriptive comparative design with the sample size of 100 in each group of hypertensive and non-hypertensive person to see the results of cognitive functioning among them. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used. Face to face interview was conducted by the researchers with the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) tool.

Results: The findings reveal that the majority subjects about 55% among the hypertensive group has mild to severe cognitive impairment as compared to non-hypertensive subjects that is 14%. The findings revealed that statistically significant difference exists between both the groups as the p value is 0.000 (calculated ‘t’ value 7.416+198) and which is lesser than the 0.05 level of significance.   On observation of overall mean scores of MMSE also suggests that the non-hypertensive individuals 26.19+ 2.64 (mean percentage of 87.3) have higher mean score than hypertensive individuals 23.29+ 2.86 (mean percentage 80.31%) with mean difference of 2.89.

Conclusion: The study generates the research hypothesis that there is significant difference in the cognitive impairment among hypertensive and non-hypertensive persons. And on observation the point of concern is that hypertensive individuals are more susceptible to suffer with decline in cognitive functioning.