Assessment of Selective Cognitive Function in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Our cross sectional study on 45 prevalent HD patients aimed to evaluate and assess cognitive function globally and selectively, to investigate the possible risk factors of cognitive impairment in HD patients. Intelligence assessment of the studied group was done, which ensured their eligibility to proceed with various cognitive functions tests. We assessed memory in four different specific domains (verbal, working, short term auditory and visual memory), visual attention, and psychomotor speed. Global cognitive function Assessment was done by the MMSE which showed that 71.1% (n=32) of studied patients were normal, while 28.9% (n=13) showed mild cognitive impairment (range of score from 30 - 25 is normal, 24-19 is mild, 18-10 is moderate impairment). Global cognitive function of our studied patients was significantly associated with: • Serum K level (positive correlation was reported), where HD patients with lower serum K level were more impaired than higher one, which confirm the main role of serum potassium level in cognition in HD patients). • Serum calcium and cholesterol level (negative correlations were reported). • HCV seropositivity.