Exercise and cognitive function in patients with end-stage kidney disease

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Neurology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Cognitive impairment, particularly executive dysfunction, is prevalent in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
• Factors contributing to cognitive decline in ESKD include uremic toxins, cerebral ischemia, and inactivity.
• Cognitive impairment in ESKD can lead to severe outcomes like dementia and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of exercise and cognitive training in preventing cognitive decline in ESKD patients.
• To assess the feasibility and short-term effects of these interventions.
• To identify gaps in current research for future studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing research on exercise training (ET) and cognitive training (CT) in ESKD.
• Analysis of studies focusing on home-based and intradialytic exercise.
• Examination of cognitive function outcomes in patients undergoing maintenance dialysis.

Main Results:

• Both home-based and intradialytic exercise training (ET) show promise in preserving cognitive function in ESKD.
• Cognitive training (CT) has also emerged as an effective approach for this population.
• Short-term benefits of ET and CT on cognitive function are consistently observed in dialysis patients.

Conclusions:

• Exercise training (ET) and cognitive training (CT) are feasible interventions for ESKD patients.
• These interventions may preserve or improve cognitive function.
• Further research is required to confirm long-term benefits, especially in diverse populations like kidney transplant recipients, and their impact on quality of life and survival.