Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Multilevel Microdissection and Functional-Structural Profiling of Human Renal Arterial Branches
06:51

Multilevel Microdissection and Functional-Structural Profiling of Human Renal Arterial Branches

Published on: September 5, 2025

Clinical Interaction between Brain and Kidney in Small Vessel Disease

Masaki Mogi1, Masatsugu Horiuchi

  • 1Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Tohon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.

Cardiology Research and Practice
|January 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked to neurological issues, including cognitive impairment. CKD markers may help predict future neurological disease risk in patients.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Neurology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease prevalence.
  • Emerging evidence links CKD to neurological disorders, including cognitive impairment and ischemic brain injury.
  • The cerebrorenal connection is hypothesized to involve shared small vessel disease mechanisms in the kidney and brain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between CKD and neurological disorders.
  • To investigate the utility of CKD markers in predicting brain small vessel disease and cognitive decline.
  • To understand the cerebrorenal connection in the context of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological and clinical studies examining CKD patients.
  • Analysis of associations between CKD markers (eGFR, proteinuria, albuminuria) and neurological outcomes.
  • Evaluation of the role of brain vascular changes in cognitive impairment in CKD patients.

Main Results:

  • CKD is linked to a higher risk of cognitive impairment and future neuronal disease.
  • CKD markers like eGFR, proteinuria, and albuminuria may predict brain small vessel disease (e.g., white matter lesions, silent brain ischemia, microhemorrhages).
  • Cerebral small vessel disease contributes to cognitive decline in CKD patients, including vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusions:

  • CKD markers are potential predictors of neurological disease risk.
  • The cerebrorenal connection highlights the importance of managing kidney health for brain health.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying CKD-associated neurological complications.

More Related Videos

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease08:50

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Published on: June 16, 2014

Direct Drug Delivery to Kidney via the Renal Artery11:18

Direct Drug Delivery to Kidney via the Renal Artery

Published on: April 17, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Kidney01:18

Blood and Nerve Supply to the Kidney

The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering and cleaning blood, removing waste products, and regulating electrolyte levels. To perform these essential functions, they require a constant and robust blood supply.
Bloody Supply to the Kidneys:
The kidneys receive their blood supply from the renal arteries, which branch off from the abdominal aorta—the main artery supplying the abdomen and lower body. The renal arteries enter the kidneys at the hilum, a notch on the medial side of each...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology01:29

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction01:22

Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction

Introduction:Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) describes a swift decrease in kidney function occurring over hours to days, characterized by the kidneys' failure to remove waste products from the bloodstream. This leads to dangerous complications like metabolic acidosis, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalances, such as hyperkalemia, which can cause life-threatening arrhythmias. AKI is common in both hospital and outpatient settings, often triggered by dehydration, sepsis, or exposure to nephrotoxic...