Approved Research

The joint analysis of imaging data and genetic data for unravelling the link between neurological disorders and chronic kidney disease

Lay summary

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a rising global healthcare burden affecting about 13.4% of the population. The incidence of neurological disorders, including cognitive impairment and cerebrovascular diseases, increases in patients with CKD. It is important to prevent neurological disorders for improvement of quality of life and decrease of health care costs in CKD patients. However, the association between damaged kidney function in CKD patients and neurological disorder has not been fully uncovered. Moreover, the underlying mechanism that contributes to neurological disorders has not been fully understood.

In this project we aim at use the comprehensive resource of UK Biobank to unravel the association between damaged kidney function and structural and functional brain abnormalities. We also aim to identify the potential risk factors involved in the link between CKD and neurological disorders. Furthermore, we will examine the causal effects of CKD associated risk factors on neurological disorders by the Mendelian Randomization.

The output of this study will provide robust insights into the link between CKD and neurological disorders and the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, the evidence from this study could be an advanced supplement to current prevention of neurological disorders in CKD patients, which is significant for decreasing the healthcare burden and increasing life quality in CKD patients.