Cognitive disorders in kidney diseases

ObjectivesThe presence of cognitive dysfunctions in patients with impaired renal function is emphasized in the article. A review of relevant research studies is aimed at identification of neuropsychological assessment methods that may be useful in this category of patients.OverviewCognitive impairments are frequently associated with kidney disease severity. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and especially those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are prone to cognitive decline, particularly if additional risk factors such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease are present. Cognitive disorders can be seen also in patients treated with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. However, kidney transplant recipients often show improvement on neuropsychological tests measuring cognitive skills.ConclusionsA number of studies on cognitive functioning in patients with impaired renal function are reviewed. The author discussed the prevalence and severity of cognitive deterioration in CKD and ESRD patients, emphasizing cognitive performance improvement after kidney transplantation. Renal patients show cognitive deficits in such domains as memory (in various modalities), attention, concentration, psychomotor skills, and executive functions. Global cognitive decline is observed especially among ESRD patients. Dialysis patients may also suffer from cognitive deficits (affecting memory, language, attention).