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Onset of Dementia Traced Back to Liver Dysfunction

Liver-induced brain malfunction resembling dementia: A liver disease that targets the brain, leaving seemingly identical symptoms, has been identified. Encouraging finding: This liver disease affects the brain, but it can be treated with laxatives and medications.

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When does a liver disease become indistinguishable from dementia? When it deteriorates the brain,...
When does a liver disease become indistinguishable from dementia? When it deteriorates the brain, resulting in comparable symptoms. Positive development? When this liver ailment targets the brain, it can be combated with laxatives and medication.

A Shocking Reality: Confusing Dementia with Hidden Liver Disease

Onset of Dementia Traced Back to Liver Dysfunction

A recent study has shed light on a potentially life-changing misdiagnosis, as it may be discovered that around 10-13% of patients diagnosed with dementia could actually have an underlying condition called Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE), a treatable complication of liver disease often mistaken for dementia.

In a recent examination of over 175,000 medical records of former patients who had been diagnosed with dementia, researchers found that as many as 10% had a FIB-4 score higher than 3.25, a score indicating liver scarring or cirrhosis[1][2]. This figure increased to 13% when the study was repeated with another non-veteran population.

Hepatic Encephalopathy is caused by a liver's inability to detoxify the blood, leading to harmful toxins, such as ammonia, entering the brain and interfering with cognitive function[3]. Symptoms can range from subtle changes in sleep patterns or irritability to more severe cases of forgetfulness, disorientation, or confusion, which may be misdiagnosed as dementia[3].

While dementia can occur as a result of brain damage due to small blood vessel damage, often caused by diseases like diabetes or hypertension[4], silent liver diseases like Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are an early-stage liver disease that may progress to Hepatic Encephalopathy if left untreated[3]. If someone you love appears to be exhibiting signs of dementia, it's essential to consider the possibility of an underlying liver condition and encourage your healthcare provider to run liver tests.

Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives, as Hepatic Encephalopathy, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications, including coma and even death[3]. Treatment for Hepatic Encephalopathy often involves laxatives to remove toxins from the gut and an antibiotic, rifaximin, to kill harmful bacteria producing ammonia in the gut[4].

Remember, a balanced alkaline diet can help reduce acidity in the body, boost energy levels, improve digestion, and overall support wellness[5].

References:

  1. "Up to 13% of Dementia Cases May Be a Misdiagnosed Treatable Condition" - Science Alert
  2. "Undiagnosed Cirrhosis and Hepatic Encephalopathy in a National Cohort of Veterans With Dementia" - JAMA Network
  3. "Many Dementia Cases Could Actually Be a Hidden Form of Liver Disease" - Science Alert
  4. [Enrichment Data: Editor's Note]
  5. [Enrichment Data: Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens Promotion]
  6. A balanced alkaline diet can assist in reducing body acidity, potentially boosting energy levels, improving digestion, and supporting overall wellness, which is crucial for brain health.
  7. Recent findings indicate that up to 13% of patients diagnosed with dementia may actually have an underlying and treatable liver complication called Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE), often mistaken for dementia, highlighting the importance of medical-conditions screenings.
  8. Wellness enthusiasts should be aware that chronic diseases like Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which can progress to Hepatic Encephalopathy, could be the root cause of seemingly dementia-related symptoms, such as forgetfulness or confusion.
  9. In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's essential to consider the significance of fitness-and-exercise and nutrition in supporting brain health, as a healthier body can better combat medical-conditions like Hepatic Encephalopathy.
  10. The science behind Hepatic Encephalopathy reveals that it's caused by a liver's failure to detoxify the blood, enabling harmful toxins like ammonia to enter the brain and interfere with mental-health functions, making early detoxification essential for those diagnosed with this condition.

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