Cognitive and vascular function in older adults with and without CKD

Cognitive impairment is a common complication of aging that is also associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vascular dysfunction has been implicated as a potential cause of cognitive impairment in older adults, with particular deficits noted in those with CKD.

To determine the differences in cognitive function and vascular compliance in older adults with and without CKD with preclinical cognitive impairment and the relationship between these factors.

Utilizing a cross-sectional approach, 48 older adults with preclinical cognitive impairment (24 with and 24 without CKD) were evaluated for performance on a test of global cognition and executive function, and vascular compliance via tonometry and ultrasound.

Cognitive function and some indicators of vascular function were significantly different in older adults with and without CKD. Global cognition was correlated with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (r = - 0.36, p = 0.02) in the entire sample. Vascular function was not correlated with executive function.

Older adults with preclinical cognitive impairment and CKD had different cognitive and vascular function than those without CKD, and an indicator of vascular function may have a relationship with cognitive function in older adults.

The findings of this study support the assessment of cognitive and vascular function in older adults with and without CKD with preclinical cognitive impairment.