Q; Which element is considered to be responsible for dementia in dialysis patient, commonly known as dialysis dementia?
Answer: Aluminum
Dialysis dementia is usually slow progressing but in some cases may occur as acute encephalopathy, marked by mental status change, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. In many countries the major reason for such incidents are water supply which is heavily contaminated with aluminum. This issue can be solved by improved water purification.
#nephrology
References:
1. Berend K, van der Voet G, Boer WH. Acute aluminum encephalopathy in a dialysis center caused by a cement mortar water distribution pipe. Kidney Int 2001; 59:746.
2. National Kidney Foundation. K/DOQI clinical practice guidelines for bone metabolism and disease in chronic kidney disease. Am J Kidney Dis 2003; 42:S1.
3. Pierides AM, Edwards WG Jr, Cullum UX Jr, et al. Hemodialysis encephalopathy with osteomalacic fractures and muscle weakness. Kidney Int 1980; 18:115.
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