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The Brain in Kidney Disease (BRINK) Cohort Study: Design and Baseline Cognitive Function
Anne M Murray1, Elizabeth J Bell2, David E Tupper3
1Berman Center for Clinical Research, Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation, Minneapolis, MN; Geriatrics Division, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN.
Summary
Cognitive impairment is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) showed significantly worse cognitive function, particularly in memory and executive function.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment.
- The Brain in Kidney Disease (BRINK) Study investigates the mechanisms underlying this increased risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify mechanisms contributing to cognitive impairment in CKD patients.
- To characterize the association between CKD indicators and cognitive decline over 3 years.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal observational cohort study involving community-dwelling participants aged 45 years and older.
- Participants were grouped by reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) or control (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)).
- Cognitive function, physical function, biomarkers, and brain MRI were assessed over 3 years.
Main Results:
- Baseline cognitive performance was significantly associated with eGFR across most domains, except language.
- Participants with eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) exhibited significantly poorer performance in memory, processing speed, and executive function compared to those with eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2).
- The Immediate Brief Visual-Spatial Memory Test-Revised showed the worst scores among participants with reduced eGFR.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive function is demonstrably worse in individuals with severe CKD (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2)).
- Future analyses of the BRINK Study will utilize longitudinal data to identify specific risk factors for cognitive decline in CKD.
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