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Cognitive and renal dysfunction in the elderly.
Francisco Souza do Carmo1, Sueli Luciano Pires2, Milton Luiz Gorzoni3
1Post-Graduate Student of the Geriatric Discipline, Santa Casa de São Paulo Faculty of Medical Sciences, São Paulo SP, Brazil.
Dementia & Neuropsychologia
|December 8, 2017
Summary
Elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease show poorer kidney function, including lower estimated creatinine clearance and higher microalbuminuria rates, independent of common comorbidities. This highlights a potential link between renal health and cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Geriatrics
- Neurology
Background:
- Cognitive impairment is linked to various diseases, yet the relationship between renal function and cognition remains under-explored.
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent form of dementia in the elderly, with multifactorial origins.
- Kidney function, assessed by estimated creatinine clearance and microalbuminuria, may play a role in cognitive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare renal function in elderly patients with and without Alzheimer's disease.
- To identify comorbidities associated with renal function and Alzheimer's disease.
- To investigate the prevalence of microalbuminuria in these patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Study included 60 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease and 20 control patients without dementia.
- Participants were followed at the Geriatric outpatient unit of Santa Casa de São Paulo Hospital.
- Renal function was assessed by estimated creatinine clearance and microalbuminuria testing.
Main Results:
- Alzheimer's disease patients exhibited significantly lower estimated creatinine clearance compared to controls.
- A statistically significant higher incidence of microalbuminuria was found in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
- No significant differences in comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, or hypertension were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Patients with Alzheimer's disease demonstrate reduced glomerular filtration and increased microalbuminuria.
- These renal function changes occur independently of traditional Alzheimer's disease risk factors.
- Findings suggest a potential association between impaired kidney function and Alzheimer's disease.
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