Cognitive Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: Challenges in Neuropsychological Assessments

Abstract

Cognitive dysfunction is a common symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this review, we highlight the clinical relevance of cognitive impairment in patients with CKD. After a summary of the different pathophysiological components of this frequently overlooked clinical condition, we summarize and evaluate the available neurocognitive tests and reflect on their utility in everyday clinical practice. Finally, we identify future areas of research and allude to the fact that inclusion of cognitive function testing in routine clinical care of patients with CKD could be cost effective by reducing nonadherence to medication and improving quality of life, and even survival.

Keywords: Cognitive impairment; chronic kidney disease; cognitive dysfunction; dialysis; neuropsychological testing.