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Neurofilament Light Chain and Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional
Kazuhiko Kato1,2, Akio Nakashima1, Shunichiro Shinagawa3
1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Kidney360
|February 20, 2026
Summary
Serum neurofilament light chain levels show a weak negative association with cognitive function in hemodialysis patients. The amyloid beta 1-42/1-40 ratio did not demonstrate a significant link to cognitive decline in this population.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Cognitive dysfunction is common in hemodialysis patients, but its causes are unclear.
- Blood biomarkers like neurofilament light chain and amyloid beta ratios are emerging for Alzheimer's prediction.
- Their role in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis remains uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between serum biomarkers and cognitive function in hemodialysis patients.
- To investigate neurofilament light chain levels and the amyloid beta 1-42/1-40 ratio in relation to cognitive assessment scores.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 384 hemodialysis patients.
- Cognitive function assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
- Serum neurofilament light chain and amyloid beta 1-42/1-40 ratio levels were measured.
Main Results:
- A weak negative association was found between log-transformed neurofilament light chain levels and cognitive function (MoCA and MMSE scores).
- This association persisted after adjusting for confounding factors like age.
- No significant association was observed between the amyloid beta 1-42/1-40 ratio and cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Serum neurofilament light chain levels are weakly associated with cognitive function in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
- The amyloid beta 1-42/1-40 ratio is not significantly linked to cognitive function in this patient group.
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