Objective To investigate the correlation between grip strength and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients of different genders. Methods Patients who underwent outpatient MHD in the Wenjiang Hemodialysis Unit, Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University between March and June 2024 were selected as the research subjects. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between grip strength and SCD in MHD patients of different genders. Results A total of 171 patients were investigated, with 76 in the non-SCD group and 95 in the SCD group. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that educational level (P=0.039), nutritional status (P=0.026), and grip strength (P=0.042) were the influencing factors of SCD in male MHD patients. Work status (P=0.001) and nutritional status (P=0.011) were the influencing factors of SCD in female MHD patients. Conclusions Educational level, nutritional status, and grip strength are influencing factors of SCD in male MHD patients. Work status and nutritional status are influencing factors of SCD in female MHD patients. Grip strength may serve as an indicator for evaluating SCD in male MHD patients.