STUDY OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) represents a significant global public health issue affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide. Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are particularly vulnerable to developing CI, which can adversely impact quality of life, medication adherence, mortality risk, and healthcare resource utilization. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the prevalence of CI among elderly patients diagnosed with CKD.

Materials and Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study included 70 CKD patients aged over 65 years, assessing cognitive impairment using (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) MoCA. Clinical data, including glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and biomarkers, were collected and analyzed.

Results: Patients had an average age of 69.5 years, with a majority at CKD stages 4 and 5. CI, defined by MoCA scores ≤ 24, was prevalent in 81.1% of patients. Higher hemoglobin levels (r = 0.493, p = 0.0005) and eGFR (r = 0.488, p = 0.0005) correlated significantly with better cognitive function. Progressive CKD stages showed a decline in eGFR, with Stage V indicating severe renal impairment.

Conclusion: The present study highlights the association between CKD severity, clinical biomarkers, and CI in elderly patients. Lower eGFR levels independently correlate with impaired cognitive function, particularly affecting executive function. Early detection of cognitive decline in CKD may improve patient outcomes through targeted interventions and enhanced care strategies. Further research is needed to optimize screening tools and interventions for CI in this vulnerable population.