The association between cognitive impairment/dementia and albuminuria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: To identify the association between albuminuria and dementia or cognitive impairment. METHODS: The literature search was performed to identify relevant scientific studies through August 2019, including PubMed/Medline and EMBASE. For inclusion, the studies had to fulfil the following criteria: population-based cohort, case–control or cross-sectional studies; quantifying an association of albuminuria with cognitive impairment or dementia; and reported odds ratio (OR), and the corresponding 95% confidential interval (95% CI). Random effects model was used to yield pooled estimates. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies (11 cohort studies and five cross-sectional studies) were included in the meta-analyses. Based on the fully adjusted estimates, albuminuria was associated with a significant higher risk of cognitive impairment or dementia. Furthermore, the same trend existed for cognitive impairment and dementia, respectively. In addition, both of Alzheimer’s diseases (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) were significantly associated with albuminuria. CONCLUSION: Albuminuria was significantly associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Corresponding to an earlier subclinical time-point in kidney disease progress, albuminuria may be a potential factor predicting the future occurrence of dementia. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10157-021-02127-3.