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.