Table of Contents
Introduction
Dementia has been known widely for affecting a majority of adults and seniors in today’s era which also affects liver and cognitive functions.
Cirrhosis, a degenerative liver condition, affected about 112 million individuals worldwide in 2017. Scientists estimate that liver illnesses, including cirrhosis, contribute to 4% of all fatalities worldwide.
There is presently no treatment for cirrhosis. As the condition continues, it might raise a person’s risk for certain consequences, including: Symptoms may include blood coagulation difficulties, ascites (fluid accumulation in the belly), and edema (leg swelling).
High levels of blood pressure in the veins that transport blood between the heart and the liver can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which is an accumulation of contaminants in the nervous system that can impair brain function.
What is Dementia?
Dementia refers to a group of disorders that impact memory, thinking, and capacity to function on a daily basis.
The condition worsens with time. It primarily affects elderly individuals, however not everyone will develop it because they age.
Dementia is a phenomenon produced by a variety of disorders that gradually kill nerve cells and harm the brain, often resulting in loss in mental abilities (i.e. the capacity to process thinking) that exceeds what would be expected from the normal effects of biological aging. While awareness is unaffected, cognitive function impairment is frequently accompanied, and sometimes preceded by, fluctuations in state of mind, control of emotions, behavior, or motivation.
How can liver illness affect cognitive function?
According to Dr. Jasmohan S. Bajaj, professor Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Centre and head author of this study, people with cirrhosis frequently have a condition known as hepatic encephalopathy, which affects nearly 60% of those tested.
“This can cause both preclinical and overt symptoms such as mental slowing, tremors, confusion, and even coma,” . The liver’s essential role is to convert hazardous chemicals in the body into innocuous ones. These compounds may be produced by the human body (ammonia) or consumed (medicines).
When the liver is injured, these “poisons” accumulate in the circulation and impair nervous system function. The outcome might be HE.
HE can occur unexpectedly, and you may get unwell rapidly. Causes of HE might include:
- Hepatitis A or B virus(rare to arise this way)
- Issues in blood flow to the liver.
- Poisoning from various medications
- Constipation
- Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage
Managing cognitive deterioration induced by liver disease
After examining the study, Dr. David Frank, a neurologist from the Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Centre in New Jersey, told MNT that it highlights a potentially therapeutically relevant screening tool for a subgroup of these individuals.
“Although we are beginning to see more useful medications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s dementia, the main objective in the beginning stays on the detection of people with possibly reversible/treatable underlying factors, and an algorithm that may identify more of such patients is certainly welcome,” said Dr. Frank.
MNT also met with Dr. Anurag Maheshwari, physician and hepatologist at The Centre for Liver and Hepatobiliary Diseases, which is part of The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Wellness and Liver Disease.
Treatment and Care
Although there is no remedy for dementia, there is much that can be done to help both those who suffer from it as well as those who look after them.
Individuals with dementia can improve their well-being by Engaging in physical activity and social contacts, stimulates the brain and supports everyday function.
Self-care
There are certain things that can assist people with dementia manage their symptoms:
- Maintain your level of physical activity.
- Eat sensibly.
- Quit cigarette smoking and consuming alcohol.
- Schedule frequent check-ups with your doctor.
- Write down daily chores and activities to help you recall crucial information.
- Continue your interests and do things you like.
- Try new techniques to keep your brain busy.
- Devote time alongside friends and family, and participate in community activities.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Although age is the most significant recognised associated risk for dementia, it is not an unavoidable result of natural aging. Furthermore, dementia does not just afflict the elderly; young-onset dementia (defined as the start of indications before the age of 65) accounts for up to 9% of cases. According to studies, people can minimise their risk of memory loss and dementia by being more physically active, quitting smoking, avoiding dangerous alcohol consumption, regulating their weight, eating a balanced diet, and keeping good blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Depression, social isolation, a lack of education, cognitive inactivity, and exposure to air pollution are all risk factors.
