Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Differential impairment of psychomotor efficiency and processing speed in patients with chronic kidney disease
Sarbjit V Jassal1, Janet Roscoe, Denise LeBlanc
1Department of Medicine, University Health Network, 8N-857, 200 Elizabeth St., Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2C4. Vanita.Jassal@uhn.on.ca
Background:
Cognitive impairment has been documented in patients with chronic kidney disease. In a recent paper, improvements in cognitive function were seen in hemodialysis (HD) patients switched from conventional HD to nocturnal HD, in two of three domains of cognitive function. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that functional decline may occur differentially in some domains more than others.
Methods:
Using a cross-sectional study design, patients optimized on medical treatment at a predialysis clinic were tested using a battery of neuropsychological (NP) tests measuring three domains of cognitive functioning-attention & working memory skills; psychomotor efficiency & processing speed; and learning efficiency. Clinical subjective symptoms for cognitive functioning and depression were measured using the Patient's Assessment of Own Functioning (PAOF) inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
Results:
One hundred and three patients aged 64.6+/-12.4 years were recruited. Of these, 40% were diabetic, with a mean Charlson comorbidity score of 4.4+/-2.1. Depression (defined as >16 on the BDI score) was seen in 11 patients. After adjustment for comorbid diseases, hemoglobin, the use of neurodepressor medication, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) values, renal function was negatively correlated with psychomotor efficiency & processing speed, but not with attention & working memory or learning efficiency scores.
Conclusion:
Chronic kidney disease is associated with a decline in psychomotor efficiency & processing speed, but not with attention & working memory or learning efficiency.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
