OBJECTIVES: Mild cognitive impairment is a progressive neurodegerative disorder in which diabetes mellitus and hypertension plays a significant role as major risk factors. Limited information concerning the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in Asian population with diabetes mellitus and hypertension is available from longitudinal studies. As the incidence of diabetes and hypertension is increasing in Asian countries we aimed to assess the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in patients with diabetes and hypertension.

METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in a south Indian tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 1 year. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III) screening tools were used to access the cognitive level of patients. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 21.0.

RESULTS: A total of 1887 patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension were screened to detect mild cognitive impairment. 465 patients were identified with mild cognitive impairment among the population. All the included patients were having both antidiabetic and antihypertensive medications. Mean age of the population was 45.12 ± 10.54. The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in the population was found to 24.64%. The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment is high in males than females (54.62%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment among patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension was comparatively higher in the population. Considering the age as well as higher prevalence of mild cognitive impairment it is necessary to take measures to prevent the incidence of mild cognitive impairment in diabetic and hypertensive population to enhance the quality of life of the population.