NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Results of a study published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggest an association between cognitive impairment and the severity of kidney disease.

In a cross-sectional analysis, Dr. Kristine Yaffe, of the University of California at San Francisco, and colleagues studied 80 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage III and IV not requiring dialysis and 80 patients with CKD stage V who were on hemodialysis and had end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

To evaluate the patients, the researchers administered three standardized cognitive tests, the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS), Trailmaking Test B (Trails B), and California Verbal Learning Trial (CVLT).

A graded relation was observed between cognitive function and disease severity. Patients with ESRD had significantly worse mean scores on the 3MS, Trails B, and CVLT immediate and delayed recall than other subjects with CKD or than published norms.

Moreover, compared to published norms, patients not requiring dialysis had significantly worse scores on the Trails B and CVLT immediate and delayed recall.

Global cognitive impairment was observed in 27 subjects (17%). Overall, 27% of those with ESRD and 15% with advanced CKD had global impairment. However, no patients with mild-to-moderate CKD met the criteria for global impairment.

A total of 37 patients (27%) were found to have impaired executive function. These comprised 38% of subjects with ESRD, 23% of those with advanced CKD, and 5% of those with mild-to-moderate CKD.

The researchers call for further studies "to determine the reasons for cognitive impairment in subjects with CKD and ESRD."

J Am Geriatr Soc 2004;52:1863-1869

Copyright © 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters Limited content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters Limited. Reuters Limited shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.