Physical function, functional capacity, cognition, and brain structure and function in older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Objective: To evaluate associations between brain structure/function with physical function and functional capacity in older adults with CKD and cognitive complaints.

Methods: We evaluated associations between neuroimaging and cognitive function with functional capacity and physical function in older adults (60-80years) with CKD and cognitive complaints (n = 39; age 67.6 years).

Results: In multivariable analysis, each standard deviation (SD) increase in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance (functional capacity) was associated with better attention/information processing (Trails Making Test-A (TMT-A) (ß -10.86, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) -16.67, -5.06); digit symbol test (ß 5.24, 95% CI 1.02, 9.46)), and each SD increase in short physical performance battery (SPPB)(physical function) was associated with better attention/information processing (TMT-A) (ß -10.99, 95% CI -16.59, -5.39). 6MWT distance and SPPB were associated with some indicators of brain structure/diffusivity.

Conclusion: In older adults with CKD and cognitive complaints, functional capacity and physical function may be associated with cognition and brain structure/function.