This research proposal is directly focused on improving the lives of children and adolescents with kidney disease. Through BRAIN KID, we characterize the relationship between kidney disease biomarkers, neuroimaging, and cognitive concerns observed in early pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) – prior to need for dialysis or transplant. This research directly evaluates the impact of CKD progression on cognition and the developing brain in order to identify disease-related risk factors, particularly those that are modifiable, that can be harnessed to mitigate cognitive risk.

Who can participate?

  • Children and young adults ages 12-22
  • With congenital chronic kidney disease (congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, CAKUT)
    • Or health participants with no known history of kidney disease 

What happens during the study?

  1. Vitals Assessments- we measure your height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and head circumference.
  2. Phlebotomy- we will collect blood and urine specimens.
  3. Cognitive and Behavioral Assessment- you will be asked to fill out behavioral questionaries and "play" cognitive games on a tablet.
  4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)- you will complete brain imaging, including additional cognitive tasks during the brain imaging.

How does this work?

A research team member will reach out to you after you fill out the initial interest form (below) to determine if you are still a good fit for the study. They will then schedule a research visit which will last ~ 4 hours. At the end of the research visit, you will be compensated $100.

Interested in Participating in BRAIN KID?