Cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients is common

Hemodialysis patients are at high risk for cognitive impairment due to their older age and high prevalence of stroke and cardiovascular risk factors.

Using a cross-sectional design, the authors measured cognitive function in 374 hemodialysis patients aged 55 years and older and an age-matched comparison group in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. Cognitive performance was measured in three domains: memory, executive function, and language. Subjects were classified as having no, mild, moderate, or severe cognitive impairment.