Correlation between congnitive and motor function in elderly patients with hypertension

This study examined the correlation between decline in cognitive and motor functions in elderly patients with hypertension. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Motor Age Test (MOA) were administered to 185 outpatients with hypertension aged 65 or older. In multiple regression analysis, increasing age and history of cerebrovascular disease were significantly related to lower performance on MMSE and MOA. Fewer years of education were also associated with lower performance on MMSE. Vertebral deformity had a significant negative effect on MOA. After controlling other variables, there was a significant correlation between performances of MMSE and MOA. The correlation between cognitive and motor function, which was independent of increasing age and cerebrovascular disease, may indicate common pathogenic mechanisms underlying cognitive and motor deterioration in elderly patients with hypertension.