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Published on: April 23, 2021
Chronic Kidney Disease and Cognitive Impairment
Asam Murtaza1, Indranil Dasgupta2
1Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
Insights
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly increases the risk of cognitive impairment (CI). Further research is needed to understand and treat CI in CKD patients, especially those undergoing hemodialysis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is strongly linked to cognitive impairment (CI).
- Vascular and metabolic factors, prevalent in CKD, contribute to CI.
- CI in CKD patients negatively impacts daily function, quality of life, and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between CKD and CI.
- To discuss potential causes and interventions for CI in CKD.
- To highlight the need for further research and routine cognitive testing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CKD and cognitive function.
- Analysis of risk factors and consequences of CI in CKD.
- Evaluation of existing and potential therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Cognitive function declines notably after initiating hemodialysis (HD).
- Intra-dialytic hemodynamic instability may cause stepwise cognitive decline in HD patients.
- Exercise and cooled HD show potential benefits but require more research.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive impairment is a significant complication of CKD.
- Routine cognition testing should be implemented for CKD patients.
- Development of targeted therapeutic interventions for CI in CKD is essential.
Abstract:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a high risk of cognitive impairment (CI). Both vascular and metabolic factors are implicated in the causation of CI in CKD. The traditional risk factors for CI are more prevalent in CKD and interact reciprocally. CI in CKD is associated with reduced functional capacity, poor quality of life and mortality. Cognition declines significantly after initiation of haemodialysis (HD). Repeated cerebral insults related to intra-dialytic haemodynamic instability may be responsible for the rapid, step-wise decline in cognition observed in HD patients. Cognitive interventions used in the general population have not been adequately tested in CKD. Exercise interventions are likely to be beneficial based on biological plausibility and pilot trial data. Cooled HD may be beneficial in HD patients but needs substantive trial data to support it. Cognition testing should be routinely offered to CKD patients. There is a need for further research into the underlying causes of CI in CKD with a view to developing therapeutic interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

