Assessment of Cognitive Function in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Abstract

 Introduction: Cognitive disorders represent a significant health problem in patients on peritoneal dialysis, which can have a serious negative impact on the quality of life and the outcome of treatment. Therefore, early detection of risk factors for the development of cognitive disorders in these patients is extremely important.

 Aim: The study’s aims were to examine the cognitive status of patients treated with peritoneal dialysis and to determine the correlation between that status and the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and anemia.

 Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study with a sample of 36 patients treated with peritoneal dialysis. The following research instruments were used: the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and a general questionnaire for obtaining sociodemographic characteristics of patients on peritoneal dialysis. The presence of anemia was determined on the basis of the hemoglobin value.

 Results: The frequency of cognitive dysfunction in patients on peritoneal dialysis was 69.4%, while anemia, according to hemoglobin values, was present among 58.3% of patients. It was found that age, urban place of living, and low hemoglobin values are factors that are significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

 Conclusion: Preserved cognitive abilities are an important precursor to the adequate implementation of peritoneal dialysis and to the preservation of the patient's quality of life. Further research is necessary to identify appropriate strategies for the prevention and treatment of anemia as a factor that affects cognitive functions in these patients.