Objective To explore the relationship between plasma T-tau, Aβ-42 protein and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in dialysis patients. Methods ELISA was used to detect T-tau and Aβ-42 protein concentrations in plasma between MCI group and cognitive normal group (control group). Results The concentration of T-tau in MCI group was higher than that in control group (P < 0.05); The difference of Aβ-42 concentrations in two groups had no statistical significance (P > 0.05). The concentration of plasma T-tau was negative correlation with urea nitrogen clearance rate and the dialysis time every two weeks (r = -0.249, P = 0.020). T-tau ≥ 980.96 pg/ml was the independent risk factor [Ol ^ R = 1.521, (95% CI: 1.168, 1.981), P = 0.002]. Conclusions The concentration of plasma T-tau in dialysis patients with MCI is higher than that in patients with normal cognitive function. Reducing the concentration of plasma T-tau may be an effective mean to prevent cognitive dysfunction in dialysis patients.