Association between estimated glomerular filtration rate and memory function mediated by brain Gray matter volumes: a...

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is associated with gray matter volumes (GMVs) in memory-related regions, but its relationship with memory function and the mediating role of GMVs remain unclear. We aimed to investigate whether eGFR levels are associated with memory function and whether GMVs mediate this association.

This study utilized data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Participants were categorized into eGFR quartiles. Memory function was assessed using the ADNI composite memory score (ADNI_MEM). GMVs were normalized to total intracranial volume. Multivariate linear regression models examined associations between eGFR, GMVs, and memory function. Structural equation modeling (SEM) assessed the mediating role of GMVs.

A total of 1311 older adults were included. Higher eGFR was associated with better memory function (adjusted β = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14-0.50), particularly in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients (adjusted β = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.23-0.67). Higher eGFR was also associated with larger GMVs in key memory-related regions, including the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, fusiform gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus (all P < 0.001). GMVs significantly mediated the relationship between eGFR and memory function (all mediation P < 0.05).

Higher eGFR levels are positively associated with memory performance, particularly in individuals with MCI, and this association is mediated by GMVs. These findings suggest that renal function may be a critical factor in memory decline risk assessment.