Discover the Healthy Solution for Dementia and Liver Disease

The Connection Between Dementia and Liver Disease

Approximately 13 percent of individuals diagnosed with dementia may suffer from reversible cognitive decline caused by advanced Liver disease . Research conducted by the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and the Richmond VA Medical Center revealed this alarming statistic . Published in the American Journal of Medicine , the study highlighted the correlation between Cognitive impairment and cirrhosis , a severe form of liver disease.

Identifying cirrhosis early on is crucial for patients with dementia , as hepatic encephalopathy , the cognitive decline caused by cirrhosis , can be mistaken for dementia . Without proper treatment , patients risk severe complications such as coma or death . The study emphasized the importance of screening dementia patients for liver disease to improve their quality of life.

The research team , led by Dr. Jasmohan Bajaj , a gastroenterologist at the VCU Stravitz - Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health , found that nearly 13 percent of nonveteran patients with dementia had high FIB-4 scores indicative of cirrhosis . This discovery underscores the need for routine liver assessments in dementia patients to detect potential reversible causes of cognitive decline.

Dr. Bajaj recommended using the FIB-4 index , a noninvasive screening tool , to evaluate the risk of liver disease in patients . Early detection of liver issues can lead to targeted therapies for hepatic encephalopathy , ultimately improving patient outcomes . The study 's findings were based on an analysis of health records from over 69,000 nonveteran patients diagnosed with dementia between 2009 and 2019.

The researchers also noted that factors such as older age , male gender , and certain health conditions increase the risk of cirrhosis . The study 's results among nonveterans were unexpectedly higher than those for veterans , highlighting the need for increased awareness among healthcare providers . Dr. Bajaj stressed the importance of addressing the overlap between dementia and hepatic encephalopathy to ensure timely intervention and treatment for affected patients.

In conclusion , the study 's findings shed light on the significant link between dementia and liver health , offering new possibilities for treatment and care . By prioritizing liver assessments in dementia patients , healthcare providers can potentially reverse cognitive impairment and improve patient outcomes . The research opens up avenues for further exploration of the relationship between cognitive decline and liver disease , paving the way for innovative treatment approaches.