Hypertension and cognitive and functional performance in centenarians

© Borgis - New Medicine 4/2003, s. 82-86

Jolanta Zyczkowska¹, Alicja Klich-Raczka¹, Barbara Wizner¹

Summary
Aim: Assessment of the relationship between hypertension and physical and cognitive performance in centenarians.
Methods: Investigations, performed as a part of the POL STU 99, included 85 participants (12 men and 73 women), aged 100-112 years. We assessed cognitive function with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) based on the 30-points scale, and physical activity with ADL (Activities of Daily Living) test based, on a 12-points scale. Blood pressure was measured 3-6 times on both arms according to the Korotkoff method, in a sitting (if possible) or lying position during one home visit. Hypertension was diagnosed if the average value of the blood pressure exceeded 140/90 mmHg, or if antihypertensive medications were used.
Results: The average age in the group was 101.6 (±1.7) years, the BP average values 148.3 (±24.0)/80 (±11.7) mmHg. Average score of the mental test in the MMSE scale was 16.16 (±10.22), and the average score on the physical test in the ADL scale was 7.6 (±3.67).
Conclusions:
1. Blood pressure in the examined group of centenarians does not reveal any correlation with physical abilities or cognitive performance.
2. Cognitive performance in the group is positively correlated with physical performance.