Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Analysis and Neurocognitive Assessment of Children and Young Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) "NiCK" Study

The NiCK Study is a cross-sectional study examining neurocognitive and neuroimaging differences in children and young adults (ages 8–25) with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) compared to healthy controls. It includes 90 CKD participants (at various stages, including dialysis and post-transplant) and 70 matched controls. Assessments involve neurocognitive testing, clinical evaluations, and MRI scans to analyze brain structure, functional connectivity, and blood flow. A longitudinal component follows CKD participants with significant kidney function changes, such as dialysis transitions or transplants, with repeat testing at least six months later. To control for test familiarity effects, a group with stable kidney function will also be retested. The study aims to identify neurocognitive differences in CKD, explore how anemia, hypertension, and kidney function impact the brain, and improve understanding of CKD-related cognitive impairments. <br>