Chronic kidney disease, cognitive decline, and incident dementia

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the longitudinal relationship between moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD), decline in kidney function, and microalbuminuria with subsequent cognitive decline and incident dementia. Methods: This study is based on a population-based cohort of 7,839 subjects over 65 years with 7 years of follow-up. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated (eGFR) using the CKD-EPI equation. Global cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and dementia was actively screened and diagnosed. Results: At baseline, 12% of the participants had an eGFR 4 mL/min/1.73 m²/y compared with those p < 0.01 in those with eGFR >4 mL/min/1.73 m²/y compared with those Conclusions: Despite a large sample and a long follow-up, we found no increased risk of cognitive decline or dementia associated with low eGFR level. However, faster eGFR decline was associated with global cognitive decline and incident dementia with vascular component, suggesting that this association may be mediated by vascular mechanisms.