Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
06:08

Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Published on: February 7, 2014

17.8K

Pulse-wave velocity is associated with cognitive impairment in haemodialysis patients

Eve Miller-Hodges1, Neeraj Dhaun2

  • 1University/British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute and Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, U.K.

Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|June 30, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Arterial stiffness may contribute to cognitive impairment in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing dialysis. Further research is needed to determine if reducing arterial stiffness can prevent or slow dementia progression in these individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence increases with age, often accompanied by cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia.
  • Cognitive decline is prevalent in elderly individuals, CKD patients, and those on maintenance hemodialysis.
  • Identifying reversible risk factors for cognitive decline is crucial for dementia risk reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the association between arterial stiffness and cognitive impairment in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.
  • To investigate arterial stiffness as a potential modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in CKD patients.
  • To highlight the significance of vascular health in the cognitive outcomes of dialysis patients.

Main Methods:

  • The study by Angermann and colleagues investigated cognitive function in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
  • Assessment of arterial stiffness and its correlation with cognitive performance was a key component.
  • The research aimed to provide data on the relationship between vascular parameters and cognitive status.

Main Results:

  • Arterial stiffness is independently associated with cardiovascular outcomes in dialysis patients.
  • A significant independent association exists between arterial stiffness and cognitive impairment in this population.
  • Vascular stiffness may play a causative role in the development of cognitive impairment.

Conclusions:

  • Arterial stiffness represents a potential target for interventions aimed at mitigating cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients.
  • The findings suggest that interventions to reduce vascular stiffness could be beneficial for cognitive health.
  • Further studies are required to confirm if reducing arterial stiffness can prevent or slow cognitive decline and dementia progression.

Keywords:
arterial stiffnesschronic kidney diseasecognitive impairment

More Related Videos

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease08:50

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Published on: June 16, 2014

16.9K
Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

3.5K

Related Concept Videos

Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound01:19

Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound

To obtain accurate blood pressure measurements in clinical settings, especially when traditional methods are insufficient, healthcare professionals utilize the Doppler ultrasound technique. This method uses high-frequency sound waves to detect blood flow within the arteries, which is crucial for patients with conditions that complicate circulatory system assessment.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
2.7K
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
531
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications01:24

Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications

DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...
1.2K
Hemodialysis I: Introduction01:25

Hemodialysis I: Introduction

Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...
2.3K