Dementia is a neurological disorder characterized by cognitive decline, including memory impairment and reduced cognitive abilities, which significantly impact an individual's ability to do their everyday tasks. The symptoms of dementia are diverse and might differ from individual to individual, contingent upon the extent of brain damage. Additionally, this condition can be related to other diseases, such as liver disease.

The correlation between dementia and liver damage

Dementia is predominantly observed in the geriatric population. Dementia results from the impairment of the brain's neurons. According to a report from Verywell Health, experts have discovered that people who exhibit symptoms of dementia may not actually have dementia, but rather it is a result of a severe liver condition.

A study published in JAMA Network Open has indicated that approximately 10% of people with dementia may suffer from liver cirrhosis, a severe form of liver disease, even in the absence of a previous diagnosis.

Untreated cirrhosis can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that results in damage to the neurological system. Hepatic encephalopathy, also known as portosystemic encephalopathy, happens when the liver fails to efficiently remove toxins. The accumulation of toxins in the blood circulation negatively impacts brain function, resulting in symptoms like those of dementia, including tremors, confusion, and disorientation.

Experts declare that dementia resulting from liver injury is a curable condition. Dementia patients should have a liver examination for this reason. Adequate management of hepatic injury may facilitate the recovery process in people with dementia.

Symptoms of dementia due to liver damage

The symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy closely resemble those of dementia, making it difficult to differentiate between the two conditions. However, there are indeed distinctions between the two. People with hepatic encephalopathy and dementia may have significant memory deficits. However, hepatic encephalopathy patients typically demonstrate compromised attention and information processing abilities.

Information is rapidly lost if it is not processed correctly. Memory and information processing problems are more common in patients with liver disease. Although it shares some symptoms with generalized memory loss in dementia patients, a neuropsychological evaluation can distinguish between the two.

Other symptoms, besides confusion, include:

• Changing sleep patterns
• Mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Inconsistent writing

In more severe conditions, the following symptoms may manifest:

• Excessive feelings of exhilaration (agitation)
• Tremors
• Disorientation
• Personality and behavior change
• Difficulties speaking
• Slow body movement

Treatment of hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy can be cured with appropriate treatment. The primary focus of hepatic encephalopathy treatment is blood toxin reduction. Several available therapies consist of:

• Give antibacterials, vitamins, and probiotics.
• Hemodialysis in case of serious liver damage

Hepatic encephalopathy-related brain damage is treatable, but the outcome depends on the severity of the damage. In mild situations, medication that removes toxins from the blood increases your chances of recovery. However, if the brain damage is severe enough, you may require therapy or other treatment appropriate for your situation. 

Prevention of dementia

Although dementia is a condition that affects a significant proportion of those aged 60 and older, it is possible to prevent the disease in their youth. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes increasing physical activity, getting regular blood tests (especially for those with hypertension and diabetes), stopping smoking, and consuming nutritious foods, are all effective methods for preventing dementia.

People with dementia should get a liver health check to prevent liver damage, which can worsen their condition. If the examination findings indicate the presence of hepatic encephalopathy, the doctor will advise on the most suitable course of treatment. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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