Ageing meets kidney disease

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Gerontology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by kidney structure or function abnormalities lasting over three months.
• Diagnostic criteria include albumin:creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.
• CKD prevalence increases with age, posing significant health implications and mortality risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of key topics concerning kidney disease and ageing.
• To highlight the association between CKD, accelerated ageing, and mortality.
• To discuss various aspects of CKD including morbidity, mortality, and management.

Main Methods:

• Review of selected studies published in Age&Ageing, NDT, and CKJ.
• Analysis of data concerning CKD prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes.
• Synthesis of information on cognitive decline, sarcopaenia, wasting, and cardiovascular/non-cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in CKD patients.

Main Results:

• CKD is linked to increased all-cause and cardiovascular death, particularly in individuals over 75 years.
• Premature death is a more frequent outcome than progression to kidney failure.
• CKD is projected to become the second leading cause of death globally by the end of the century.

Conclusions:

• CKD represents a growing global health challenge, significantly impacted by population ageing.
• The review underscores the multifaceted impact of CKD on health, encompassing cognitive function, physical frailty, and mortality.
• Further research and management strategies are crucial for addressing CKD burden in ageing populations.