Neurology of renal disorders

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a critical and rapidly growing global health problem. Neurological complications occur in almost all patients with severe CKD, potentially affecting all levels of the nervous system, from the central nervous system (CNS) through to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Patients with CKD exhibit a high incidence of symptomatic and occult cerebrovascular diseases, associated tremendously high levels of inflammatory factors and homocysteine, as well as anemia, hypertension, and diabetes. As these risk factors overshadow aging and nonvascular factors, CKD patients represent a potential model of accelerated vascular cognitive impairment. In this article, the disease-related and treatment-related neurological complications of renal disorders will be reviewed.