Kansas City, Kan- Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Sean Kumer, chief medical officer, Kansas City Division, The University of Kansas Health System
- Kidney disease can trigger various symptoms, including brain fog.
- A recent kidney transplant study involved enrolling patients on the transplant list and assessing their cognitive function and brain health before and after transplant.
- The study showed cognitive function improved after transplant.
- It highlighted the importance of transplant as a treatment for severe kidney disease, which can improve brain health and overall quality of life.
Tammy Bunney, kidney transplant patient
- Tammy learned how to play the piano at age 7, majored in piano in college, taught piano lessons to children, played at various special events and community centers, as well as church every Sunday.
- It was so concerning when she “forgot” how to play the piano.
- She didn’t know it at the time, but her kidney was causing brain fog.
- Tammy was referred to The University of Kansas Health System and on May 1, 2024, she received a new kidney.
- As a result of the transplant, her brain fog disappeared, and she could play the piano again.
Dr. Adita Gupta, transplant nephrologist, The University of Kansas Health System
- Kidney disease can cause a buildup of waste products in the blood, which can affect brain health by disrupting the blood-brain barrier.
- Our research group was the first to show disruption of the blood-brain barrier in people with kidney disease.
- The study’s findings suggest that cognitive function can be reversed with kidney transplant, offering hope for patients.
- Patients with kidney disease should discuss transplant as a treatment option with their doctors.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director, Infection Prevention & Control, The University of Kansas Health System
- The general risk of bird flu remains low, but it is important to maintain a public infrastructure for monitoring and testing.
- Test positivity and emergency department visits for COVID are decreasing, indicating a potential end to the summer wave.
- Wastewater data also shows a decrease in COVID infections.
- It is important to stay up to date with vaccines, especially for older adults and those with chronic conditions.
Thursday, Sept. 12 at 8 a.m. is the next All Things Heart. Learn more about pregnancy-induced heart failure.
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