Low eGFR is associated with dysexecutive and amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Few studies have explored the association between renal function and major subtypes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

The sample was from the Einstein Aging Study. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, calculated in mL/min/1.73m2 units) was classified into low (<45), moderate (45-59) and high (≥60). Separate binary logistic regression models were run to determine if eGFR is associated withamnestic MCI (aMCI) and dysexecutive MCI (dMCI).

Out of 622 eligible participants 65 (10.5%) had low eGFR, 43 (7.1%) had aMCI, and 46 (7.6) had dMCI. Low eGFR was independently associated with dMCI and aMCI in fully adjusted models.

At cross-section low eGFR is associated with a higher risk of both dMCI and aMCI. eGFR may contribute to the development of these cognitive states directly. Alternatively, low eGFR may be a marker for risk factors that influence both the kidney and the brain, such as coronary microvascular disease.