Cognitive Impairment Is Common Among Pre-Dialysis CKD Patients
Individuals with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk for mild cognitive impairment, according to a recent study. Furthermore, mild cognitive impairment was associated with gait speed, suggesting a potential relationship between cognitive and physical functions in these patients.
It is well known that CKD is associated with the risk for cognitive decline and decreased physical function. However, less is known about the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in these patients, or its potential association with physical function.
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For their study, the researchers assessed 120 patients age 65 years or older with pre-dialysis CKD without probable dementia, defined as a Mini Mental State Examination score of less than 24. Mean patient age was 77.3 years.
The Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J) was used to analyze mild cognitive impairment. Patients were categorized as having normal cognitive function (MoCA-J scores of 26 or higher) or mild cognitive impairment (MoCA-J scores below 26). The researchers compared physical, clinical, and biochemical parameters between groups. The specific association between cognitive and physical function was analyzed via logistic and linear regression analyses.
Ultimately, 75 (62.5%) patients had demonstrated mild cognitive impairment. The researchers observed significant between-group differences for gait speed, balance, age, and hemoglobin concentration. However, following adjustment for covariates, only gait speed was significantly associated with mild cognitive impairment.
“The prevalence of [mild cognitive impairment] among older adults with pre-dialysis CKD was as high as 62.5%,” the researchers concluded. “The association between [mild cognitive impairment] and reduced gait speed supports the possible interaction between physical and cognitive functions and the need for early screening.”
—Christina Vogt
Reference:
Otobe Y, Hiraki K, Hotta C, et al. Mild cognitive impairment in older adults with pre-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: prevalence and association with physical function [Published online September 26, 2017]. Nephrology. doi:10.1111/nep.13173.