Postural hypotension and mental function in the elderly.

The effect of 3 hours of ambulatory activity on the mental function of 12 elderly persons with postural hypotension was examined. There was little difference between the mean combined mental status and set test scores when the subjects were supine (42.3) and when they were erect after 3 hours of ambulatory activity (42.2). A control group of persons of similar age and health who did not have hypotension also exhibited little difference in mean scores (49.9 v. 51.5 respectively). The mean scores of the two groups of subjects did not differ significantly. After 6 months the mean scores of the two groups were 40.9 and 44.7 respectively. It appears that elderly individuals with postural hypotension do not exhibit any appreciable deterioration in mental function with ambulation or after a 6-month period.