Author(s): GIANNAKI, C., MAVROMMATIS, A., SAKKAS, G., KYPROULA, D., PIERI, M., STROPPOU, P., KYRIAKOU, A., ASAELOF, L., HADJIGEORGIOU, G.M., KONSTANTINOU, N., TRAIKAPI, A., MITSIDES, M., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF NICOSIA, Country: CYPRUS, Abstract-ID: 452

INTRODUCTION:
Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) (1) and is associated with significant adverse effects on multiple health outcomes, quality‑of‑life domains, and increased mortality (2). Recent evidence suggests a relationship between functional capacity and cognitive function, primarily derived from studies conducted in older adult populations (3). Therefore, the aim of this cross‑sectional study was to examine the association between cognitive function and functional capacity in a sample of HD patients.
METHODS:
Thirty‑two patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) (mean age: 60.3 ± 13.9 years) were recruited and provided informed consent to participate in this study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini‑Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Trail Making Test (TMT) parts A and B. Functional capacity was evaluated using a battery of tests commonly applied in HD populations, including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, two sit‑to‑stand tests, isometric handgrip strength assessment, the six‑minute walk test (6MWT), and a cardiopulmonary exercise test performed on a cycle ergometer during HD to assess maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationships among the studied variables.
RESULTS:
Significant correlations were observed between performance on the TMT‑A and TMT‑B and performance scores across several functional capacity tests (p < 0.050). In contrast, MMSE scores were not significantly associated with any functional capacity measure (p > 0.050). The strongest correlation was identified between Timed Up and Go (TUG) performance and TMT‑B scores (r = 0.790, p < 0.001). Additionally, significant associations were found between both TMT‑A and TMT‑B performance and VO2max as well as handgrip strength (p < 0.050).
CONCLUSION:
The results of the present study demonstrated that reduced levels of functional capacity are associated with poorer cognitive performance in patients undergoing HD, confirming evidence from non‑HD populations. These findings highlight the need for the development of effective exercise interventions aimed at mitigating both functional and cognitive decline in HD patients.

REFERENCES
1. Zhang et al. Plos One, 2024, 3;19(6):e0304762
2. Angermann et al. J Alzheimers Dis, 2018, 66(4):1529-37
3. Stavrinou et al. Life, 2022, 13;12(7):1042