Kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease, happens when the kidneys can no longer remove enough waste, extra fluid, and harmful substances from the blood.
Healthy kidneys also help control blood pressure, keep minerals balanced, and produce hormones that support healthy red blood cells. When they stop working properly, many parts of the body are affected. Kidney failure can occur at any age, but it becomes much more common as people grow older.
As people age, kidney function naturally becomes weaker. For most older adults, this change is mild and does not cause serious problems.
However, diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can speed up kidney damage. Because kidney disease often develops slowly, many people do not realise they have a problem until the condition has become advanced.
One of the earliest symptoms is ongoing tiredness. When the kidneys cannot remove waste products efficiently, toxins build up in the bloodstream. This can leave people feeling weak, lacking energy, sleepy during the day, or unable to concentrate. Many older adults mistake this symptom for normal ageing, delaying diagnosis.
Swelling is another common warning sign. Poorly functioning kidneys cannot remove enough extra fluid, causing it to collect in the body. Swelling often appears in the feet, ankles, lower legs, or around the eyes.
Research published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology has shown that this type of swelling is often one of the first visible signs of worsening kidney function.
Changes in urination may also occur. Some people pass less urine than usual, while others need to urinate more often, especially overnight. Urine may become darker than normal, appear foamy, or contain blood. Although these changes can have other causes, they should never be ignored, particularly in older adults.
Loss of appetite, nausea, and unexplained weight loss are also common as kidney disease progresses. Waste products that remain in the blood can make food taste unusual, reduce appetite, and sometimes cause bad breath with a strong ammonia-like smell. These symptoms may gradually lead to poor nutrition and weight loss.
Many people also develop itchy, dry skin because waste products and minerals build up in the bloodstream. Others feel unusually cold because kidney disease often causes anaemia, a condition in which the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body.
Kidney failure can also affect the brain. Older adults may become forgetful, confused, or have trouble concentrating. Some may experience mood changes or appear similar to someone with dementia. Research published in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation has found a close link between declining kidney function and problems with thinking and memory in older people.
As kidney failure becomes more severe, breathing problems may develop. Extra fluid can collect in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe, while anaemia can also leave people short of breath. Changes in mineral levels, particularly potassium, may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats or chest discomfort, which require urgent medical attention.
Regular blood and urine tests are the best way to detect kidney disease before severe symptoms develop. Early diagnosis allows doctors to treat the underlying cause, slow further damage, and improve quality of life.
Anyone who notices persistent tiredness, swelling, changes in urination, appetite loss, confusion, or breathing problems should speak with a healthcare professional, as early treatment can make a significant difference.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more health information, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and eating nuts linked to lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
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