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Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Aging and chronic kidney disease: the impact on physical function and cognition
Shuchi Anand1, Kirsten L Johansen, Manjula Kurella Tamura
1MD Division of Nephrology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 777 Welch Road, Suite DE, Room D100, Palo Alto, CA 94304. mktamura@stanford.edu.
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly accelerates aging in older adults, increasing the risk of physical impairment, cognitive decline, and frailty. This review highlights CKD
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Nephrology
- Aging research
- Chronic disease impact
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern in older populations.
- CKD affects a substantial portion of individuals over 70, correlating with adverse health outcomes.
- Existing research suggests CKD may be an independent factor in age-related functional decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To raise awareness of chronic kidney disease as a risk factor for accelerated aging.
- To review existing studies linking CKD to physical function, frailty, and cognitive function in the elderly.
- To summarize proposed biological mechanisms underlying these associations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies investigating the relationship between CKD and aging-related parameters.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on CKD prevalence and its association with functional decline.
- Synthesis of proposed pathophysiological pathways connecting CKD to physical and cognitive impairments.
Main Results:
- Evidence indicates CKD independently contributes to reduced physical and cognitive functioning in older adults.
- Individuals with CKD exhibit a doubled risk for physical impairment, cognitive dysfunction, and frailty.
- Prevalence of CKD is high in those over 70 years, underscoring its public health relevance.
Conclusions:
- Chronic kidney disease is a critical, often overlooked, factor in the aging process.
- CKD exacerbates physical and cognitive decline, leading to increased frailty in older individuals.
- Further research into the mechanisms and clinical implications of CKD in aging is warranted.
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