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Effect of Kidney Dysfunction on Cerebral Cortical Thinning in Elderly Population
Chih-Hao Chen1,2,3, Ya-Fang Chen4, Ming-Jang Chiu2
1Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan.
Scientific Reports
|May 26, 2017
Summary
Kidney dysfunction is linked to reduced cerebral cortical thickness (CTh) in older adults, impacting brain health. Monitoring kidney function may help prevent neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nephrology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with cognitive impairment and brain structural changes.
- The specific impact of kidney function on cerebral cortical thickness (CTh) remains less understood.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for identifying neurodegenerative risks in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between kidney function and global/lobar cerebral cortical thickness (CTh) in non-demented elderly individuals.
- To determine if kidney dysfunction predicts cortical thinning.
- To explore demographic and genetic factors influencing this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 259 non-demented elderly participants.
- Kidney dysfunction defined by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m² or proteinuria.
- Cerebral cortical thickness (CTh) assessed globally and by lobe using neuroimaging techniques.
Main Results:
- Kidney dysfunction was associated with significantly lower global CTh and thickness in frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and insular lobes.
- The association between kidney dysfunction and reduced CTh was more pronounced in women, APOEε4 non-carriers, and those with lower cognitive scores.
- Kidney dysfunction increased the risk of insular lobe cortical thinning (lowest CTh tertile).
Conclusions:
- Kidney dysfunction is linked to reduced cerebral cortical thickness in the elderly.
- This association highlights a potential mechanism for neurodegeneration in individuals with impaired kidney function.
- Close monitoring and management of kidney function are recommended in the elderly to preserve brain health.
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