Kidney dialysis ‘can cause brain injury’, claim city scientists

KIDNEY dialysis may be associated with progressive brain injury in those who receive the treatment for many years, according to new research.

Scientists at Glasgow University found the process can cause short-term “cerebral stunning” and found a link between both short and longterm hemodialysis use and brain injury.

For many patients awaiting a kidney transplant or not suitable for a transplant, dialysis is life-saving.

The study, which looked at almost 100 patients using dialysis, measured cerebral blood flow and tested each patient’s cognitive function during and outwith dialysis.

The researchers found blood flow to the brain was reduced during dialysis and patients’ cognitive function decreased.

The study also found those patients who remained on dialysis were more at risk of progressive brain injury due to reduced blood flow during the procedure.

Crucially, however, those who had a transplant improved in memory and verbal learning brain functions.