Risk factors for cognitive impairment among CKD patients in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto

Abstract

Introduction: The association between cognitive impairment and chronic kidney disease has been documented. Cognitive impairment in CKD may affect adherence to treatment, including diet, medications and quality of life, furthermore, it is an independent risk factor for mortality. Hence the need to identify risk factors for cognitive impairment among CKD patient in our study.

Methods: All consecutively seen, eligible and consenting CKD patients 18 years with no barrier to Neuropsychological assessments were recruited between June – August, 2019. Structured proforma was used for data collection including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool (MoCA). SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis.

Results: 40 participants were recruited with M:F ratio of 3:1. Mean age was 45.03±12.89 years. 89.7% of the CKD patients were cognitively impaired using MoCA scores of 26 as cut off. Significant difference was seen in the MoCA scores of cognitively impaired compared to cognitively normal patients. (17.69±3.28 and 27.75±1.26; p = < 0.001). BMI and systolic blood pressure were found to be associated with cognitive impairment (p = 0.004 and p = 0.047 respectively). No association was found with waist circumference,
diastolic blood pressure, aetiology of CKD, duration of diagnosis of CKD and eGFR.

Conclusion: Cognitive impairment may be common in our CKD patients and its assessment with emphasis on risk factors should form part of evaluation of all CKD patients.