Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Saudi Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Introduction: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing a notable demographic shift, with a rising average age attributed to various factors. This demographic transition has led to significant changes in age distribution, particularly concerning the elderly population. Projections indicate that the proportion of elderly individuals in Saudi Arabia is expected to increase from 6.5% in 2016 to a substantial 25% by the year 2050. This demographic shift carries with it the anticipation of increased prevalence in common comorbidities, including cognitive impairment, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus, among others. The present study is designed to investigate the association and prevalence of CKD and cognitive impairment, along with their associated comorbidities in the elderly population of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2023 and August 2023. The study involved the distribution of a questionnaire among participants, focusing on elderly individuals diagnosed with either CKD or cognitive impairment. The sample was drawn from the general population of Saudi Arabia, comprising a total of 1137 participants. Among them, 22 (1.9%) individuals were diagnosed with CKD, and an equal number were diagnosed with cognitive impairment. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the relevant research ethics committee, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: The study sample consisted of 1137 participants, including 22 (1.9%) individuals diagnosed with cognitive impairments and 22 (1.9%) individuals diagnosed with CKD. A significance level of P < 0.05 was set. A linear regression model assessing the severity of CKD and cognitive impairment demonstrated a statistically significant relationship, with a beta coefficient of 0.816 (95% confidence interval: 0.689–0.943) and P < 0.001. In addition, patients with hypertension and diabetes or those with poor control of these comorbidities were more likely to report more severe cognitive impairment ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study reveals a significant association between CKD and cognitive impairment in elderly patients in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it highlights the higher likelihood of the presence of comorbidities in these patients. Early detection, monitoring and management of CKD and other comorbidities may play a crucial role in enhancing cognitive capacity and overall quality of life for these patients in the future.