Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 19: The progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment, including difficulties with attention, processing speed and executive function, according to a new study.
The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, suggest that the severity of CKD could be an important risk factor for declining brain health.
Chronic kidney disease is a long-term, progressive condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. The disorder typically persists for more than three months and can lead to serious health complications if left unmanaged.
Researchers, including a team from Tulane University, analysed data from over 5,600 participants aged between 21 and 79 years. The study examined blood and urine samples to assess kidney function and conducted cognitive assessments to evaluate brain performance over a six-year period.
“In this cohort study of 5,607 participants with CKD, a higher urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio was associated with impairments in attention and processing speed as well as executive function,” the authors wrote.
The researchers noted that several physiological mechanisms may explain the connection between kidney disease and cognitive dysfunction. One possible link is hypertension, which is often worsened by CKD and is itself a known risk factor for cognitive decline.
They also pointed out that vascular factors associated with dementia may be more pronounced among patients with long-standing kidney dysfunction compared to the general population.
However, even after accounting for clinical factors such as hypertension, the link between CKD and cognitive decline persisted, indicating that other mechanisms could be involved.
Conditions commonly associated with chronic kidney disease — including abnormal bone mineral metabolism, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, sleep disorders and anaemia — may also contribute to the observed relationship between kidney and brain health, the authors said.
The study underscores the importance of early detection and effective management of chronic kidney disease, not only to protect kidney function but also to safeguard long-term cognitive health.