Processing speed is affected by early impairment in kidney function in the general elder population.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nephrology
• Neurology

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cognitive dysfunction are prevalent in the elderly.
• Shared vascular pathogenesis may link these conditions, with impaired processing speed often seen in cerebrovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of impaired kidney function on the development of dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and specific cognitive domains.
• To assess changes in cognitive performance over a 6-year follow-up period.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 905 individuals (mean age 68) in the population-based
• Good aging in Skåne
• (GÅS) study.
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m² defined impaired kidney function.
• Assessed cognitive domains using a 12-test neuropsychological battery and analyzed changes via logistic and linear regression models.

Main Results:

• No increased odds of dementia or MCI were found with moderately impaired eGFR at baseline.
• A decline in processing speed was significantly associated with impaired kidney function.

Conclusions:

• The observed effect on processing speed may indicate early vascular impacts on cognition.
• Monitoring cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with moderately impaired kidney function could potentially prevent further cognitive decline.