Cognitive disorders and dementia in CKD: the neglected kidney-brain axis.

Abstract

Epidemiologic data suggest that individuals at all stages of CKD have a higher risk of developing cognitive disorders and dementia. This risk is generally explained by the high prevalence of both symptomatic and subclinical ischemic cerebrovascular lesions. However, other potential mechanisms, including direct neuronal injury by uremic toxins, could also be involved, especially in the absence of obvious cerebrovascular disease. We discuss the prevalence and characteristics of cognitive disorders and dementia in patients with CKD, brain imaging findings, and traditional and nontraditional risk factors. Understanding the pathophysiologic interactions between renal impairment and brain function is important in order to minimize the risk for future cognitive impairment.

• Authors: Jean-Marc Bugnicourt, Olivier Godefroy, Jean-Marc Chillon, Gabriel Choukroun, Ziad A Massy
• Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN (J Am Soc Nephrol) Vol. 24 Issue 3 Pg. 353-63 (Feb 2013) ISSN: 1533-3450 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23291474 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Brain (pathology)
• Cerebrovascular Disorders (etiology)
• Cognition Disorders (epidemiology, etiology)
• Dementia (epidemiology, etiology)
• Humans
• Kidney Failure, Chronic (complications)
• Models, Neurological
• Neurodegenerative Diseases (etiology, pathology)
• Prevalence
• Renal Insufficiency, Chronic (complications)
• Stroke (etiology)