Could a URINE test for kidney disease also check for dementia? Those with high levels of a protein have a 35% increased risk of memory loss
- Dutch researchers analysed more than 27,000 people from 22 previous studies
- They found there may be an effect on the brain from dysfunctioning kidneys
- Both organs have shared features and risk factors for developing diseases
- But experts say the link between both conditions is not yet fully understood
A urine test for kidney disease could also warn if patients are at risk of dementia, a new study suggests.
Adults who have increased amounts of a specific protein have a 35 per cent higher chance of going on to suffer from memory loss.
High levels of albuminuria is a tell-tale sign of kidney disease, as the organ should naturally stop it from passing between the blood and urine.
While the exact link between renal failure and dementia is not fully understood, scientists say.
Adults who have increased amounts of a specific protein in their urine have a 35 per cent higher chance of going on to suffer from memory loss, a study found
Researchers from Maastricht University, the Netherlands analysed 27,805 people and 22 previous studies surrounding kidney problems and cognitive ability.
They looked at a protein in the urine, also called albuminuria or proteinuria.
It showed people with protein in the urine were significantly more likely to develop cognitive impairment than people who did not have it in their urine.
Dr Kay Deckers, who led the study, said: 'Kidney dysfunction has been considered a possible risk factor for cognitive impairment or dementia.
'Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dementia share many risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, and both show similar effects on the brain.
While the exact link between renal failure and dementia is not fully understood, scientists say
'So they may have shared vascular factors or there may even be a direct effect on the brain from kidney problems.'
Dr Deckers added that both kidney disease and dementia are 'important public health problems' with rising health care costs for 'our society.'
Worldwide, the number of people suffering from dementia has increased.
While the prevalence of CKD in the general population - estimated to be between eight and 16 per cent - has also increased.
But experts say more research is needed to determine whether kidney problems are in fact a cause of dementia or if they are both caused by the same factors.
The study was published in the journal Neurology.
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