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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
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Published on: February 10, 2026
Memory and executive functions in pediatric chronic kidney disease
Debbie S Gipson1, Stephen R Hooper, Peter J Duquette
1Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7155, USA. Debbie_Gibson@med.unc.edu
Summary
Children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD) show deficits in memory and executive functions, particularly initiation and sustaining behaviors. These cognitive impairments persist even when controlling for IQ and age.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects children and adolescents, potentially impacting neurocognitive development.
- Previous research suggests a link between chronic illness and cognitive function, but extensive data on pediatric CKD is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate memory and executive functioning in children and adolescents with CKD.
- To compare the neurocognitive performance of pediatric CKD patients with healthy controls.
- To identify specific cognitive domains affected by CKD in this age group.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive neuropsychological battery assessing memory and executive functions was administered.
- Participants included 20 children/adolescents with CKD (dialysis or conservative therapy) and 18 healthy controls.
- Statistical analyses controlled for chronological age and IQ to isolate the effects of CKD.
Main Results:
- Children and adolescents with CKD demonstrated significantly lower IQ compared to controls.
- Significant group differences were found in all memory functions and in the Initiation and Sustaining executive function domains.
- The CKD group exhibited particular difficulties with initiation behaviors, while Set-Shifting and Inhibition were not significantly different.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric CKD is associated with specific deficits in memory and executive functions, beyond generalized effects of lower IQ.
- Children and adolescents with CKD are at risk for neurocognitive inefficiencies, especially in initiation and sustaining behaviors.
- These findings highlight the need for neuropsychological monitoring in pediatric CKD patients.
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