Chronic kidney disease is currently one of the major global public health challenges. It is estimated that around 10% of the world’s population suffers from some degree of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that not only affects kidney function, but can also have significant consequences for other areas of health, including cognitive function.
In this context, the European Momentum project was created, a research initiative focused on mild cognitive impairment associated with chronic kidney disease. The main objective of the project is to improve understanding of how and why cognitive alterations occur in people with kidney disease, while also advancing early detection and the development of personalised intervention strategies.
Current studies indicate that patients with advanced chronic kidney disease experience cognitive dysfunction at a much higher rate than the age-matched general population. Between 30% and 60% of these patients experience some form of cognitive impairment, with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) being the most common manifestation. This condition is characterised by neurological changes and alterations in abilities such as memory, attention, and concentration, and may appear even in the early stages of kidney disease.
Mild cognitive impairment also represents an intermediate stage preceding the development of clinical dementia, making early identification essential to prevent irreversible damage and improve patients’ quality of life.
One of the distinguishing features of Momentum is the active integration of the patient perspective into the research process. In this regard, the European Kidney Patients’ Federation (EKPF) plays a key role in representing the voice of people living with chronic kidney disease.
The EKPF contributes to the project by bringing forward the real needs, concerns, and experiences of patients, with the aim of ensuring that the research takes into account its direct impact on the daily lives of affected individuals. In addition, the federation will be responsible for developing a questionnaire to assess the quality of life of patients with mild cognitive impairment associated with chronic kidney disease, as well as designing and validating a specific questionnaire focused on the patient experience of living with mild cognitive impairment. These tools will make it possible to incorporate patient-centred indicators and gain a more accurate understanding of the real impact of this condition on patients’ daily lives.
To address this challenge, Momentum combines different lines of work. The project integrates clinical studies involving patients, preclinical research, and the analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in the relationship between kidney disease and cognitive impairment. Thanks to this multidisciplinary approach, researchers aim to identify reliable biomarkers that will enable the early detection of cognitive impairment and the development of treatments and interventions tailored to each patient’s needs.
As part of the official launch of the Momentum 2026–2030 project, representatives of the EKPF participated in the kick-off meeting held in Bergamo. Representing the Federation were Juan Carlos Julián, Head of the Action Plan, and Mónica Suengas, Project Manager, who took part in the first coordination sessions on June 22 and 23 together with the other European organisations and partners involved in the consortium.
This initial meeting served to establish the lines of work for the coming years, define common objectives, and coordinate collaboration among the different international partners involved in the project.
Through this collaboration, Momentum aims not only to expand scientific knowledge about cognitive impairment associated with kidney disease, but also to promote early diagnostic tools and new care strategies that contribute to improving the wellbeing and autonomy of kidney patients across Europe.