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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
07:30
Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Albuminuria, cognitive functioning, and white matter hyperintensities in homebound elders
Daniel E Weiner1, Keith Bartolomei, Tammy Scott
1Division of Nephrology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA. dweiner@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
Summary
Albuminuria, a marker of kidney disease, is linked to poorer executive function and increased brain white matter hyperintensity. This suggests albuminuria may indicate a higher burden of brain microvascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Albuminuria, a marker of kidney microvascular disease, may predict microvascular issues in other organs, including the brain.
- The association between kidney function markers and cognitive decline is an area of active research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between albuminuria and cognitive performance in elderly individuals.
- To determine if albuminuria correlates with markers of brain microvascular disease, such as white matter hyperintensity.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 335 elders receiving home health services.
- Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) was used as the predictor.
- Cognitive function (executive function, memory) and brain white matter hyperintensity volume were assessed using MRI and cognitive testing.
Main Results:
- Each doubling of ACR was associated with worse executive function (P=0.004) but not memory.
- Individuals with albuminuria were more likely to have poorer executive functioning.
- Albuminuria was significantly associated with both qualitative and quantitative measures of white matter hyperintensity volume.
Conclusions:
- Albuminuria is associated with impaired executive function and increased white matter hyperintensity.
- The findings suggest that albuminuria may serve as a marker for a greater burden of brain microvascular disease.
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