Maine Edge Reports on Elias’ Kidney Disease Research

The Maine Edge reported a new study by a University of Maine-led research team found a decline in renal function in early stages of kidney disease is associated with stiffening of the arteries, which is a risk for stroke and dementia. Team leader Merrill Elias, UMaine professor of psychology and cooperating professor in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, determined worsening kidney function is associated with higher pulse wave velocity (PMC) values that create higher levels of arterial stiffness in the heart and brain.