Aging and Renal Disease: Old Questions for New Challenges

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing problem among aging population, and the number of individuals at risk of end stage renal disease is rising. Part of the reason lies in incomplete understanding of the pathways underlying renal aging and kidney disease, as well as insufficient delivery of evidence-based treatment to elderly patients with CKD. This review aims to address these unsolved issues by delineating updated mechanisms of renal senescence and summarizing recent findings on key clinical aspects of CKD in the elderly. Challenges and obstacles in caring for older people with CKD are discussed, with an emphasis on modification of risk factors, prevention of acute kidney injury, stabilization of progression and decision on dialysis initiation.