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Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Brain Structure and Function

Emily J Steinbach1, Lyndsay A Harshman2

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.

Frontiers in Neurology
|March 14, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts brain structure and function in both children and adults, potentially affecting executive function. Further research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors for neurocognitive dysfunction in CKD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 37 million adults, with causes varying by age.
  • Acquired comorbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular disease are common in adult CKD, while congenital abnormalities cause pediatric CKD.
  • Both pediatric and adult CKD patients face risks of neurocognitive dysfunction, especially impacting executive function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence on how CKD affects brain structure and function in pediatric and adult populations.
  • To identify key areas for future research into CKD's impact on the brain.
  • To explore modifiable risk factors for abnormal brain structure and function in CKD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on CKD and neurocognitive function.
  • Analysis of findings from quantitative neuroimaging modalities like MRI.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding brain structure and function in pediatric and adult CKD patients.

Main Results:

  • CKD is associated with neurocognitive dysfunction, particularly executive function deficits, in both children and adults.
  • Multisystemic effects of CKD, including hypertension, acidosis, anemia, and uremia, may negatively impact brain health.
  • Adult CKD patients exhibit structural brain differences, but the impact on pediatric neurodevelopment requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • CKD poses a significant risk to brain structure and function across all age groups.
  • Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive dysfunction in CKD is crucial.
  • Future research should focus on modifiable risk factors to improve brain health outcomes in CKD patients.

Keywords:
brain structural abnormalitieschronic kidney diseasedisease and developmentmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)neurocognition and behaviorneuroimagingpediatric chronic kidney disease

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