Association between chronic kidney disease and Alzheimer's disease: an update

It has been accepted that kidney function is connected with brain activity. In clinical studies, chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have been found to be prone to suffering cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The cognitive function of CKD patients may improve after kidney transplantation. All these indicators show a possible link between kidney function and dementia. However, little is known about the mechanism behind the relation of CKD and AD. This review discusses the associations between CKD and AD from the perspective of the pathophysiology of the kidney and complications and/or concomitants of CKD that may lead to cognitive decline in the progression of CKD and AD. Potential preventive and therapeutic strategies for AD are also presented. Further studies are warranted in order to confirm whether the setting of CKD is a possible new determinant for cognitive impairment in AD.