Abstract: FR-PO1043
The Dialysis Mind: A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Cognitive Function in Patients on Hemodialysis
Session Information
- Hemodialysis: Clinical Challenges, Patient-Centered Outcomes, and Quality of Life
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Gkika, Vasiliki, Frontis Dialysis Center, Piraeus, Greece
- Gkogka, Eleni, Frontis Dialysis Center, Piraeus, Greece
- Gompou, Athina Georgios, IASO Thessalias, Larissa, Greece
- Griveas, Ioannis, Noseleutiko Idryma Metochikou Tameiou Stratou, Athens, Attica, Greece
- Touroukis, Dionysis, Frontis Dialysis Center, Piraeus, Greece
- Xanthopoulou, Elena, Frontis Dialysis Center, Piraeus, Greece
- Revela, Ioanna, Frontis Dialysis Center, Piraeus, Greece
Background
Cognitive dysfunction is frequently observed among individuals undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and has been linked to unfavorable clinical outcomes. This study aimed to assess cognitive performance using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and to explore its relationship with demographic and clinical characteristics in a cohort of hemodialysis patients.
Methods
This cross-sectional study enrolled 101 patients (66% males) at Frontis Dialysis Center, Piraeus, Greece (2024-2025). Cognitive evaluation was performed before dialysis treatment to reduce the influence of intradialytic hemodynamic changes on MMSE performance. Associations between MMSE score and clinical variables were examined using univariable and multivariable linear regression models. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results
Median age was 70 years, dialysis vintage was 2 years and MMSE score was 26 (Table 1a). In univariable analysis, MMSE score demonstrated significant associations with age (p<0.001), serum albumin concentration (p=0.007), use of hemodiafiltration (p=0.018), educational level (p<0.001), and marital status (p=0.03). In multivariable analysis, age, serum albumin, educational level, marital and insurance status remained independently associated with cognitive performance (Table 1b).
Conclusion
Younger age, insurance coverage, and tertiary education were associated with better MMSE scores, whereas widowhood was associated with lower scores. Higher serum albumin levels were also associated with better mental functioning, highlighting the significance of nutritional status in maintaining cognitive health. Further studies are needed to facilitate earlier recognition and targeted management of cognitive impairment in this population.