19 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : A growing body of research has found that declining kidney function may do more than affect physical health — it could also have serious implications for the brain. A recent study has revealed a connection between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cognitive impairment, suggesting that individuals with CKD are more likely to experience problems with memory, attention, and overall thinking ability.
The findings highlight the importance of monitoring brain health in patients with kidney disease and could prompt changes in clinical practice to address cognitive challenges earlier.
What the Study Found
Scientists analysed data from thousands of participants, comparing cognitive performance between people with varying degrees of kidney function. The study found that individuals with CKD — particularly at moderate to severe stages — performed significantly worse on tests of memory, attention, and executive function compared with those without kidney disease.
Importantly, even people with early-stage kidney impairment showed subtle signs of reduced cognitive performance, suggesting that changes in brain function may start earlier than previously believed.
Why Kidney Disease Affects the Brain
Researchers point to several possible explanations for the link between CKD and cognitive issues:
- Toxin Buildup: When kidneys fail to filter waste products effectively, toxins can accumulate in the blood and may affect the brain.
- Vascular Damage: CKD is often accompanied by damage to blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to the brain and impair cognitive function.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation — common in CKD — may accelerate brain aging and contribute to cognitive decline.
- Anemia: Many people with CKD develop anemia, reducing oxygen delivery to the brain and affecting mental performance.
“These factors don’t operate in isolation,” researchers note. “Together, they may create a biologically hostile environment for optimal brain function.”
Who Is at Risk
While cognitive impairment can affect anyone with CKD, the risk increases with disease severity. Adults in their 50s and older with reduced kidney function appear especially vulnerable. The presence of other conditions — such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease — further raises the likelihood of cognitive issues.
Researchers stress that cognitive problems often go unnoticed or are attributed to ageing, underscoring the need for targeted screening in CKD patients.
Real-Life Impact
Cognitive impairment can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. People with kidney disease and cognitive problems may struggle with:
- Remembering important details, such as medical appointments or medication schedules
- Making decisions or planning daily activities
- Maintaining attention during conversations
- Managing finances or complex tasks
For patients already coping with the physical burdens of CKD, the added cognitive challenges can make disease management more difficult and increase the risk of hospitalisation and other adverse outcomes.
What Doctors Recommend
Healthcare providers emphasise that recognising cognitive issues early is key. For patients with CKD, this could involve:
- Routine Cognitive Screening: Incorporating brain function assessments into regular checkups for CKD patients.
- Managing Risk Factors: Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol to reduce further harm to blood vessels.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Encouraging physical activity, balanced nutrition, and activities that stimulate the brain.
- Support Systems: Ensuring caregivers and family members are aware of potential cognitive issues to provide needed assistance.
“Managing CKD effectively isn’t just about the kidneys,” one clinician said. “We need to look at the whole person — including how the disease might be affecting their ability to think and function independently.”
Broader Implications for Public Health
With millions of people worldwide affected by chronic kidney disease — often due to diabetes or hypertension — the study’s findings have important public health implications. Early identification of cognitive impairment could help reduce healthcare costs by preventing complications and supporting better self-care.
The study authors call for greater awareness among clinicians and patients alike, as well as further research to understand how best to protect brain health in people with CKD.
Looking Ahead
As science continues to uncover links between physical conditions and brain health, experts say integrated care models could become more common. For patients with chronic diseases like CKD, interdisciplinary approaches involving nephrologists, neurologists, and primary care providers may improve outcomes.
In the meantime, patients and families are encouraged to talk to their healthcare teams about any concerns related to memory, thinking, or daily functioning.
Summary
A new study links chronic kidney disease with cognitive impairment, showing that reduced kidney function — even in early stages — may affect memory, attention, and thinking, highlighting the need for early screening.