due to the risk for the patient and later funding issues

This study has two major purposes:

1. To test developed multiple anatomic and functional MRI methods;
2. To evaluate the potentials of these MRI methods in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of the progression of renal dysfunction.

These purposes will be achieved by performing pilot studies with cohorts of patients.

This study is observational with no intervention applied for the patients. In this study, multiple anatomic and functional MRI methods will be performed with three cohorts of patients. In addition to anatomic MRI methods, non-contrast enhanced functional MRI methods will also be applied to evaluate tissue perfusion and vascular reactivity in these patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. English-speaking as primary language
2. Able to complete an approximately 75 to 90 minute cognitive and/or physical tests
3. Capable to consent to studies

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Acute psychiatric illness that would impede cognitive testing
2. Active chemical dependence, such as alcohol, narcotics or other drugs
3. Legally blind or unable to complete cognitive tests due to visual loss or deafness
4. Renal transplant recipient at time of screening or baseline
5. Severe CI unable to complete the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination [3MSE]
6. Chronic and acute pulmonary disease

The study population will include three main cohorts of patients: 20 ESRD patients with their transition to dialysis treatment, 20 CKD controls and 20 non-CKD controls. Based on the investigators previous experience, about 20% of recruited subjects may not be able to finish the proposed studies. Therefore, a conservative estimate of the total number of subjects to be recruited is 72.