Kidney Problems Linked to Brain Disorders

If you believe that a kidney problem solely affects the kidneys then you’re wrong. According to a new study, having a kidney problem is directly related to a brain disorder as well. On the other hand, impaired kidney function may lead to decreased blood flow to the brain, and ultimately to the occurrence of stroke or dementia. The findings suggest that maintaining optimal kidney health can provide benefits to the brain.

The responsibilities of the kidneys include removing waste from the blood, balancing salt and minerals in the blood and producing rennin which helps manage blood pressure. If the kidneys become damaged it can result in kidney disease, impairing and disrupting the kidneys’ duties. When damage becomes severe, kidney disease can actually become fatal.

Stroke and dementia are more common in patients with chronic kidney disease than in individuals in the general population, but it’s unclear why. To investigate a potential kidney-brain link, researchers did this important study, looking at individuals’ kidney function and blood flow to the brain.

The researchers found that poor kidney function was strongly related to decreased blood flow to the brain, or hypoperfusion. Also, poor kidney function was linked to stroke and dementia most strongly in participants with hypoperfusion. These findings were independent from known cardiovascular risk factors.

Researchers claim that kidney disease and hypoperfusion of the brain are both possibly reversible there might be an opportunity to explore how improving these conditions can ultimately reduce one’s risk of developing brain disease. The study further states that kidney-brain link is not confined to patients with chronic kidney disease, but extends to persons from the general population without overt disease.

In order to prevent brain disorders linked to kidney disease, it’s essential for you to identify the signs of kidney disease so you can begin treatment early on. 

• Changes in urination
• Inflammation of feet, ankle, hands and face
• Tiredness and low energy levels
• Itching or skin rash
• Metal taste or ammonia breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Breathlessness or shortness of breath
• Feeling cold
• Dizziness and impaired concentration
• Pain in legs

Below are a few tips to help prevent kidney disease and keep your brain healthy: 

• Stop smoking
• Manage blood sugar and diabetes
• Manage blood pressure
• Control and manage healthy cholesterol
• Reduce alcohol consumption
• Always follow direction on medications
• Maintain a healthy weight

By adhering to these tips you can help lower your risk of developing kidney disease and subsequently keeping your brain healthy as well.