Shafaqna Health: Dementia affects millions in the U.S., and experts anticipate that cases will continue to rise in the coming years. To address this, researchers are exploring early interventions, treatments, and methods to predict dementia risk.
A study by researchers from the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden used data from the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurement (SCREAM) project, which investigates kidney disease. They analyzed the link between acute kidney injury and dementia development.
The study found that individuals who had experienced an acute kidney injury had a 49% higher chance of developing dementia than those who had not. The findings were published in the journal *Neurology*.
**Why identifying dementia risk factors is important**
Dementia affects cognitive functions, causing memory loss, impaired language skills, and emotional issues. It results from changes in brain regions that disrupt the functioning of neurons and their connections, according to the National Institute on Aging. Currently, around 7 million older adults in the U.S. have some form of dementia, and that number is expected to nearly double by 2040.
While there is no cure for dementia, some medications can slow its progression or help manage symptoms. Identifying risk factors like hypertension, obesity, alcohol use, and acute kidney injury is crucial for early detection and prevention strategies.
**Creatinine as an indicator of kidney injury**
Using data from the SCREAM project, researchers analyzed healthcare records of around 300,000 adults aged 65 or older who had no prior diagnosis of dementia. They monitored creatinine levels to identify acute kidney injuries, defined as creatinine levels 1.5 times above baseline, a rise of 0.3 mg/dL or more, or a need for temporary dialysis. Dementia diagnoses were tracked using medication records, diagnostic codes, and registration in the Swedish dementia registry.
The study revealed that 26% of participants experienced at least one acute kidney injury, and 16% developed dementia. The likelihood of developing dementia was significantly higher among those who had experienced acute kidney injury, with more severe cases or those requiring hospitalization carrying an even greater risk.
The researchers also found that acute kidney injury increased the risk for specific types of dementia:
– 88% for Lewy body or Parkinson’s disease-related dementia,
– 47% for vascular dementia,
– 31% for Alzheimer’s disease.
**Clinical implications of the findings**
The study suggests that individuals with acute kidney injury, particularly severe cases, should receive increased monitoring for cognitive health issues. It highlights the need for healthcare providers to consider evaluating patients with a history of severe acute kidney injury for early signs of dementia.
Experts like Jason Krellman, PhD, from Columbia University Irving Medical Center, note that the association between acute kidney injury and dementia could be linked to hypertension, heart disease, or blood vessel damage in the brain. The study may encourage healthcare providers to monitor patients with a history of kidney injury for potential cognitive decline. Chronic kidney disease is also known to impact dementia risk, particularly in older or sicker individuals.