Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden conducted a study involving 130,000 people over the age of 65 over a period of four years. The results showed that 7% of participants developed dementia during the study period, according to ‘News Medical’. The study, published in the ‘Journal of Internal Medicine’, emphasized the importance of early care for kidney health and cognitive functions to reduce risks and delay its onset.
The researchers explained that ‘foamy urine’, associated with high levels of ‘albumin’ due to protein leakage from damaged kidneys, may reflect damage to small blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of cognitive decline. Dr. Hong Xu, an assistant professor of neurology at the Karolinska Institute, stated, ‘The kidneys and brain are connected by a complex network of blood vessels. When these vessels are damaged in the kidneys, similar damage often occurs in the brain.’
The researchers noted that symptoms associated with high ‘albumin’ include, in addition to ‘foamy urine’, frequent urination and fluid retention in the eyes, feet, or face. They confirmed that urine testing remains the most effective method for diagnosing this condition, urging regular tests for individuals most at risk of kidney problems. Experts stressed the importance of raising awareness of this link to improve prevention and early detection strategies.
