Researchers recently conducted a study to determine if acute kidney injuries increase the risk of dementia. The study analyzed health data from thousands of older adults with acute kidney injuries, finding a substantial increase in the risk of dementia, particularly Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease-related dementia. Dementia affects millions of people in the United States, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common type. The study, published in the journal Neurology, used data from the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurement (SCREAM) project, which tracks kidney disease and dementia. Researchers found that individuals with acute kidney injuries had a 49% higher chance of developing dementia than those without acute kidney injuries.
Dementia impacts cognitive abilities and can lead to memory loss, language difficulties, and emotional problems due to changes in certain brain regions. The National Institute on Aging reports that around 7 million older adults in the U.S. have some form of dementia, with cases expected to almost double by 2040. While there is currently no cure for dementia, medications can help manage symptoms. The study authors wanted to explore if acute kidney injury, along with risk factors like hypertension, obesity, and alcohol use, contributes to an increased risk of dementia in individuals. Identifying additional risk factors for dementia is crucial for early identification and the development of preventive strategies.
The researchers analyzed data from the SCREAM project, which tracks healthcare records of Swedish citizens. They included data from approximately 300,000 adults aged 65 and older with no dementia diagnosis at the study’s start. Participants were followed for a median of 12.3 years, with acute kidney injury events assessed using creatinine measurements. The study found that individuals who experienced acute kidney injury had a significantly higher rate of developing dementia and a 49% increased risk compared to those without acute kidney injuries. Participants with more severe acute kidney injuries, such as hospitalization-requiring cases, had a higher risk of dementia. Specific types of dementia, such as vascular dementia and mixed dementia, also showed increased risks with acute kidney injury.
The study highlights the importance of monitoring cognitive health in individuals with acute kidney injuries, especially those with severe incidents. Early identification and preventive strategies for dementia may be indicated in this population. Jason Krellman, PhD, a neuropsychology expert, suggested that individuals with acute kidney injuries take steps to lower vascular risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes through a heart-healthy lifestyle, including exercise, diet, and smoking cessation. Another expert, psychiatrist Sham Singh, MD, emphasized the potential impact of these findings on clinical practice, suggesting enhanced monitoring, integrative care approaches, and preventative strategies. Singh also stressed the need for collaboration among healthcare professionals from different specialties to provide comprehensive care for individuals with acute kidney injuries and an increased risk of dementia.
Overall, the study’s findings suggest a strong link between acute kidney injuries and an increased risk of dementia, particularly in individuals with more severe incidents. The research underscores the importance of early detection, monitoring, and preventive strategies for individuals with acute kidney injuries to mitigate the risk of dementia. By identifying additional risk factors and implementing multidisciplinary care approaches, healthcare providers can better address the cognitive health needs of individuals with acute kidney injuries, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
