Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 25: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and cognitive impairment (CI) are highly prevalent among patients undergoing haemodialysis, with those experiencing more advanced cognitive decline showing significantly poorer physical performance, according to a new cross-sectional study.

Researchers evaluated 147 outpatients receiving maintenance haemodialysis to assess the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction and its association with physical ability. The mean age of participants was 69.7 years, nearly two-thirds were men, and the average duration on dialysis was six years.

Cognitive status was assessed using two standard screening tools — the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J), Japanese version, to detect mild cognitive impairment, and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to identify more advanced cognitive decline.

Participants were categorised into three groups:

• Cognitively normal (MMSE ≥24 and MoCA-J ≥26)

• MCI (MMSE ≥24 and MoCA-J <26)

• CI (MMSE <24)

The findings revealed a high prevalence of impairment. Only 34% of patients were classified as cognitively normal, while 40% met criteria for MCI and 26% for overt cognitive impairment. In total, nearly two-thirds of the cohort demonstrated some degree of measurable cognitive dysfunction.

The study also examined physical function across the three groups, including grip strength, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores, and usual gait speed.

After adjusting for factors such as age, sex, dialysis duration, and body mass index, patients in the CI group showed significantly worse outcomes in muscle strength, balance, and mobility compared with both the cognitively normal and MCI groups.

Notably, there were no significant differences in physical performance between the normal and MCI groups, suggesting that substantial physical decline may become evident primarily once cognitive impairment progresses beyond the mild stage.

The researchers highlighted the dual burden of cognitive and physical decline in individuals undergoing haemodialysis. They emphasised that routine cognitive and physical assessments could help clinicians identify high-risk patients earlier.

Early identification may enable targeted interventions aimed at preserving independence, reducing frailty, and potentially improving overall health outcomes in this vulnerable population.