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Updated: May 11, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Risk factors for cognitive dysfunction in CKD and hypertensive subjects
Rigas G Kalaitzidis1, Despina Karasavvidou, Athina Tatsioni
1Department of Nephrology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Cognitive dysfunction is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension. Factors like CKD stage, diabetes, and PTH levels significantly impact cognitive function in CKD patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive dysfunction (CO/DY) is prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
- Hypertension is a known comorbidity associated with cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with cognitive dysfunction in CKD patients.
- To compare cognitive dysfunction in CKD patients with hypertensive subjects without CKD.
Main Methods:
- Included 96 hypertensive subjects without CKD and CKD patients across various stages (I-IV), hemodialysis (HD), and peritoneal dialysis (PD).
- Assessed cognitive impairment using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), clock-drawing test, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL).
Main Results:
- Age, CKD stage, and diabetes mellitus (DM) were significantly associated with CO/DY in CKD patients.
- Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels correlated with cognitive function tests. In hypertensives, pulse pressure (PP) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) use were linked to executive function.
- For dialysis patients, DM, low hemoglobin (Hb <11 g/dl), and dialysis modality influenced cognitive outcomes, with PD patients showing better performance on the clock-drawing test.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive dysfunction risk increases with CKD stage.
- Low Hb and elevated PTH levels are associated with cognitive decline in CKD.
- DM significantly impacts cognitive function; CCB use and controlled PP may benefit executive function in hypertensive individuals.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

