Renal impairment and cognitive decline
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identifying the contribution of renal impairment to cognitive decline in the Aberdeen Birth Cohorts
IRAS ID
241781
Contact name
Marjorie Johnston
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Identifying factors which influence whether people experience cognitive decline (a decline in memory and thinking skills) in older age is important as our population ages. An important risk factor for cognitive decline is the presence of white matter lesions. These are visualised on brain scans (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) as white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Factors such as high blood pressure have been shown to be associated with cognitive decline via their impact on WMH. Kidney (renal) disease is common and can be a source of significant source of disability- including cognitive decline. The mechanisms behind the link between renal disease and cognitive decline are unclear, particularly in how renal disease relates to WMH and to other diseases an individual has (comorbidities).
The aim is to determine the association between renal impairment and cognitive decline and examine the influence of white matter hyperintensities and comorbidities in two Aberdeen birth cohorts, by linking cohort members to routinely collected renal function data.
The Aberdeen birth cohorts of 1921 and 1936 provide information on childhood and adulthood characteristics, including later life intelligence tests (cognition) and MRI brain scans (with information on the presence of WMH). We will include existing members of the cohort and information already available.NHS Grampian has a database of biochemistry information which includes blood tests which can measure renal impairment. We will link the individuals in the birth cohorts to their biochemistry information and test the association between renal impairment and later life intelligence whilst examining the role of WMHs. The linkage and storage of data will be carried out by the joint NHS Grampian and University of Aberdeen Data Safe Haven.
This work will identify the role of kidney impairment in cognitive decline, thus paving the way towards the development of interventions or new treatment pathways. This is highly important as populations age and can form part of approaches to promoting healthy ageing.
The work is being funded by the Roland Sutton Academic Trust, Aberdeen.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0405
Date of REC Opinion
21 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion