Cognitive function in end stage kidney disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How frequent are cognitive impairments in patients with end stage renal disease and are these impairments related to kidney disease progression, frailty, health related quality of life or mood.
IRAS ID
244741
Contact name
Peter Hobson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Kidneys are responsible for purifying blood by removing waste and excess fluid from the body. However, kidney disease is often progressive and can reach a stage where a person’s kidney or kidneys no longer work; this is called end stage renal disease (ESRD). In order to survive, some patients receive a treatment called dialysis, which is used to perform the function of the kidneys, whilst others receive a kidney transplant. Some ESRD patients receive what is described as conservative (nondialytic) care as a treatment option when they elect not to pursue dialysis or an organ transplant. People with kidney disease often suffer with other illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart problems. More recently researchers have found that kidney patients are also at risk of developing problems with what is termed their cognitive function. Cognitive function is important because it involves all aspects of an individual’s memory, their ability to attend to things, their actions, behaviour, perception, thinking and reasoning. In the United Kingdom there have been very few studies looking into the relationship with kidney disease and cognitive function problems. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of cognitive function in patients with advanced kidney disease. To do this, we need to assess the cognitive function in a large group of people with advanced kidney disease with a series of special cognitive function tests. From this we hope to have a better understanding of the relationship with cognitive function and kidney disease and if it is related to any other medical condition.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
18/WA/0170
Date of REC Opinion
8 May 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion