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 who had experienced an acute kidney injury, finding that these individuals were at a significantly higher risk for developing dementia, particularly Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease-related dementia. Dementia affects millions of people in the United States, with experts predicting a rise in case numbers in the future. Early interventions, treatments, and predictive measures are crucial for tackling this growing issue.
The study, published in the journal Neurology, used data from the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurement (SCREAM) project in Sweden, which focuses on kidney disease. Researchers found that individuals who had acute kidney injuries had a 49% higher chance of developing dementia compared to those without acute kidney injuries. Dementia affects various cognitive abilities, causing memory loss, language issues, and emotional disturbances. The Population Reference Bureau reports that around 7 million older adults in the U.S. have dementia, a number expected to nearly double by 2040, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form.
While there is currently no cure for dementia, some medications can slow its progression or help manage symptoms. The study authors highlighted hypertension, obesity, and alcohol use as potential risk factors for dementia. The focus of their research was on determining whether acute kidney injury also contributes to the risk of dementia. They found that acute kidney injury not only carries a higher mortality risk but may also disrupt the blood-brain barrier, potentially leading to cognitive issues. Monitoring cognitive health, especially in individuals with severe acute kidney injury incidents, is crucial for early detection and intervention.
The study analyzed data from around 300,000 adults over the age of 65 who had their first outpatient creatinine measurement as part of the SCREAM project. Participants were followed for an average of 12.3 years, and incidence of acute kidney injury events and dementia diagnoses were monitored. The study found that individuals who experienced acute kidney injuries had a significantly higher risk of developing dementia, with those who had more severe acute kidney injuries requiring hospitalization at an even higher risk. Monitoring for specific types of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease-related dementia, may be necessary in these cases.
Experts not involved in the study highlighted the potential link between acute kidney injuries and dementia risk. They suggested that damage to blood vessels in the brain, in combination with other risk factors, may contribute to the increased risk. Recommendations for individuals concerned about dementia risk included managing vascular risk factors through lifestyle changes such as exercise, proper diet, and smoking cessation. Providers may need to be alert to the possibility of cognitive decline in patients with acute kidney injuries, providing assessments and monitoring to catch symptoms early.
The findings of the study could lead to changes in clinical practice, with a focus on enhanced monitoring, integrative care approaches, and preventative strategies for individuals with acute kidney injuries. Regular cognitive assessments may become a standard part of follow-up care for these patients to detect potential dementia early. A multidisciplinary care approach involving nephrologists, neurologists, and geriatricians may be essential for comprehensive care, addressing both kidney and brain health to optimize patient outcomes. Collaborative efforts in care and monitoring could help manage the increased dementia risk associated with acute kidney injuries.
