The impact of hypertension on executive functions & speed of processing in geriatric subjects

Introduction: Hypertension is a major contributor to cerebrovascular pathology causing dementia. Visual reaction time gives a better index of the cortical processing of Visual Stimulus. Trail Making Test provides information on visual search, scanning, speed of processing, mental flexibility, and executive functions. Our objective was to compare simple and choice reaction time (SRT & CRT) and trail making scores between hypertensives and normotensives geriatric male subjects. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 Male hypertensives and normotensives aged >60 years, with BP 140/90 mm Hg were considered as hypertensive’s. Computer programme recorded both SRT & CRT using Deary- Liewald Reation Time Tester version 3.10. Trail making test was used as executive function test. Results: Data were analysed using SPSS version- 20, Unpaired t-test showed significant difference in the reaction time scores of normotensives (SRT: M: 366.4 SD: 16.41; CRT: M: 737.6 SD:59.82 ) and hypertensives (SRT: M: 471.4 SD: 21.52 ; CRT: M: 902.4 SD: 55.57). In addition, the executive function showed significant difference between the executive ability of normotensives (TMT-B: M: 97.6, SD: 18.24) and hypertensives (TMT-B: M: 112.24 SD: 20.12). Interpretation and Conclusion: The results showed that the hypertensive elderly males have a lower cognitive performance in comparison to age matched normotensives. Hypertension delays the speed of processing of information in elderly hence they are at higher risk for injuries and its consequences. Keywords: Aged, Executive functions, Hypertension, Reaction Time, Trail making test.