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Cognitive changes in chronic renal patients during hemodialysis
ANNA Journal
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Cognitive functioning in chronic renal patients declines during hemodialysis. This suggests that the dialysis period may not be optimal for patient education, requiring further research into timing strategies.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neuropsychology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Chronic renal disease impacts multiple organ systems, including the brain.
- Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for end-stage renal disease.
- Cognitive function in patients undergoing hemodialysis is an area of ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cognitive functioning in chronic renal patients before and during hemodialysis.
- To determine if hemodialysis treatment affects cognitive performance.
- To evaluate the implications of cognitive changes for patient education strategies.
Main Methods:
- The Number Connection Test (NCT) was administered to 29 chronic renal patients.
- Cognitive performance was measured by the time taken to complete the NCT.
- Testing occurred both before and during hemodialysis sessions.
Main Results:
- Patients took significantly longer to complete the NCT during hemodialysis (98 seconds) compared to before hemodialysis (81 seconds).
- The observed difference in cognitive performance was not attributable to factors like test order, sex, age, dialysis duration, or years on dialysis.
- A statistically significant decline in cognitive functioning was observed during the hemodialysis treatment (t = 3.29; p = .0027).
Conclusions:
- Hemodialysis treatment is associated with a temporary decrease in cognitive functioning among renal patients.
- The period of hemodialysis may not be the most effective time for patient education due to impaired cognitive abilities.
- Further research is warranted to identify optimal timing for patient education in hemodialysis patients.
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