Association Between Cognitive Impairment and Chronic Kidney Disease in Mexican Americans

To analyze the association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Mexican Americans and to determine whether there is a blood-based proteomic profile linking CKD to MCI.

Retrospective analysis of cohort study.

Health and Aging Brain among Latino Elders study.

Mexican Americans (N = 437, 105 men, 332 women).

Data were analyzed to examine the link between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and detailed neuropsychological functioning. Serum proteomic markers were also examined.

Lower eGFR levels were associated with significantly poorer neuropsychological functioning across multiple domains. After adjusting for age, sex, education, and diabetes mellitus, participants with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) performed significantly worse than those with an eGFR from 45 to 59 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) or 60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) and higher in processing speed (F = 14.1, P < .001), executive functioning (F = 4.5, P = .01), visuospatial skills (F = 4.8, P = .009), and global cognitive functioning (F = 6.2, P = .002). Participants with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) also performed significantly worse than those with an eGFR of 60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) or greater on delayed memory (F = 3.8, P = .02). There was a trend toward lower eGFR levels being associated with greater risk of MCI (odds ratio (OR) = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.91-6.1, P = .07), which was stronger for men (OR = 9.6, 95% CI = 1.3-74.3, P = .03). A serum proteomic profile consisting of Factor VII, interleukin-10, C-reactive protein, and fatty acid binding protein was 93% accurate in detecting CKD-related MCI.

Lower eGFR was associated with significantly poorer neuropsychological functioning in Mexican Americans. A blood-based profile was generated that was highly accurate in detecting CKD-related MCI. A blood profile capable of predicting CKD-related cognitive impairment would be of benefit for the design of clinical interventions.