Shoji T, Fujii H, Mori K, et al. - Hemodialysis patients exhibited associations of prior stroke and lower DBP (diastolic blood pressure) with 3MS < 80 [Modified Mini-Mental State examination with a cut-off level of 3MS < 80]; thus, a contribution of these vascular factors to low cognitive performance in these patients is supported.

• This was a cross-sectional analysis of 1213 maintenance hemodialysis patients.

• The outcome was low cognitive function assessed via the Modified Mini-Mental State examination (3MS) with a cut-off level of 3MS < 80.

• 3MS < 80 was related to the presence of any prior cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially prior stroke.

• A link of 3MS < 80 with lower DBP but not with SBP (systolic pressure) was found.

• On stratifying patients based on presence of prior stroke, the following factors were linked with 3MS < 80 in both subgroups: lower DBP, higher age, and lower education level.

• Diabetic kidney disease was identified as an additional factor related to 3MS < 80 in the subgroup without prior stroke.

• In either subgroup, CVDs other than stroke were not linked with 3MS.