Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find whether achieving optimal blood pressure (BP) control could prevent mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and whether we should conduct MCI screening routinely in patients (Pts) with hypertension (HT).

Methods: 51(34.5%) males and 97(65.5%) females - a total of 148 Pts with mean age 64.16±11.18 years and mean HT history 13.1±11.05 years were examined. Neuropsychological profile was assessed with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive assessment (MoCA). Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and Self measured blood pressure (SMBP) were conducted according to the ESC/ESH recommendations.

Results: 76(51.35%) Pts with HT treatment were with suboptimal BP control during the day and 83(55.4%) - during the night. Mann-Whitney test was used to find: significant (p<0.05) difference in the mean values of MMSE and MoCA between the groups with optimal and suboptimal SMBP; some of the ABPM values between Pts with MCI and without. Regression analysis showed that there is significant (p<0.05) correlation between neuropsychological tests’ results and some BP variables: MMSE - night systolic (r=0.274), mean (r=0.193) and pulse pressure (PP) (r=0.281); day systolic (r=0.179) and PP (r=0.313); systolic (r=0.209) and PP SMBP (r=0.212). MoCA with night systolic (r=0.168) and PP (r=0.210); systolic (r=0.238) and PP SMBP (r=0.217).

Conclusions: Despite treatment opportunities and early detection of HT a significant percent of Pts with HT have poor BP control (assessed by SMBP or ABPM). They remain at risk for MCI. Screening neuropsychological tests should be performed in all Pts with HT and suboptimal BP control.