Patterns of Cognitive Impairment and Associated Factors Among Elderly Patients Attending a Primary Care Clinic in North-Central Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment (CI) is prevalent among older adults, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as the population ages. Some factors, such as age, hypertension, diabetes, and body mass index, contribute to greater cognitive decline. There is a gap in the existing research in the study area; therefore, this study aims to assess patterns of cognitive impairment and associated factors among elderly patients at the General Hospital Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. METHODS This study was a descriptive, hospital-based, cross-sectional analysis involving 228 elderly participants. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, and cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Fasting blood glucose, body mass index, and blood pressure were measured using standard procedures. Data analysis was performed with SPSS-24, presenting clinical variables in frequency distribution tables and cognitive impairment prevalence and patterns in bar charts. The Chi-square test assessed significant associations, and multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of cognitive impairment. RESULTS The study found a cognitive impairment prevalence of 36.8%, with mild cognitive impairment at 72.6%, significantly higher than severe cognitive impairment. Significant associations existed between cognitive impairment patterns and risk factors like hypertension and age (p < 0.001 and 0.003). Multiple logistic analyses identified increasing age and systemic hypertension as predictors of cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that mild cognitive impairment is common in elderly patients, especially those with hypertension and advanced age. Early screening for high-risk groups is encouraged, along with prompt management of modifiable factors to prevent cognitive impairment and delay the progression to dementia.