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Updated: May 16, 2026
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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Decline in renal functioning is associated with longitudinal decline in global cognitive functioning, abstract
Adam Davey1, Merrill F Elias, Michael A Robbins
1Department of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. adavey@temple.edu
Summary
Mild to moderate kidney disease is linked to cognitive decline, impacting memory and reasoning. Early detection is crucial for public health to mitigate these effects.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and elevated serum creatinine (sCR) correlate with cognitive decline.
- Longitudinal studies are needed to identify specific cognitive domains affected by impaired renal function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal relationship between declining kidney function and cognitive performance across multiple domains.
- To determine which specific cognitive abilities are most vulnerable to changes in renal function over time.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year longitudinal study of 590 community-dwelling adults without dementia or end-stage renal disease.
- Cognitive performance was assessed using 17 tests across 5 domains: verbal episodic memory, visual-spatial abilities, scanning/tracking, working memory, and abstract reasoning.
- Cognitive changes were regressed on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), adjusting for baseline function, comorbidities, and vascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- Declining eGFR was significantly associated with declines in global cognitive ability, verbal episodic memory, and abstract reasoning.
- These associations persisted after adjusting for demographic factors, vascular risk, and excluding individuals with dementia or stroke history.
- The study identified specific cognitive domains, including verbal episodic memory and abstract reasoning, that are particularly sensitive to changes in renal function.
Conclusions:
- Early identification of mild to moderate kidney disease is a critical public health issue due to its association with cognitive decline.
- Monitoring cognitive function in individuals with declining renal function may be warranted.
- Further research into the mechanisms linking kidney function and cognitive health is essential.
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