Cognitive Impairment and Imaging Correlates in End Stage Renal Disease
Cognitive Impairment and Imaging Correlates in End Stage Renal Disease
The purpose of this study is to understand cognitive impairment in end stage renal disease
 before and after a kidney transplant.
Cognitive impairment is very common in patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It exact
 mechanisms are not clear, but patients with ESRD have more cerebral white matter changes.
 Several studies have shown that cognitive function improves post-transplant, indicating that
 there may be some reversibility in the process. This study will examine the correlation
 between cognitive impairment and structural brain changes before and after renal
 transplantation. We will also study the correlation of cognitive function with serum
 inflammatory markers before and after transplant. These results will be compared to aged
 matched healthy controls without kidney disease.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Pre-transplant ESRD patients between the ages of 30 and 70 years who are listed for
 renal transplantation

 -  Able to sign pre-transplant consent on their own will

 -  Have english as their native language

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Current use of antipsychotics or anti-epileptics

 -  Inability to read or write which will limit their ability to perform the cognitive
 tests

 -  Claustrophobia or inability to get MRI for other reasons

 -  Unable to sign consent