Dementia has been traditionally viewed as a brain-centric issue. What if the health of another vital organ is linked to dementia? The Liver! Recent research about dementia shows how liver diseases can affect brain functions and contribute to the development or progression of dementia.
Dementia is a broad term that represents a group of diseases that affect the cognitive abilities of a person, such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning. It is so widely prevalent in older people and severe enough to disrupt daily life activities. The major symptoms are memory loss, impaired reasoning, and difficulty with language and communication.
This blog explores the connection between the prevalence of liver diseases and their effects on the onset or progression of dementia. It also explores the connection between the brain and the liver.
The Liver-Brain Axis: A Bi-directional Axis
The liver is the largest organ and the metabolic powerhouse of our body. It plays a significant role in processing nutrients, detoxification, and maintaining overall metabolic balance. Recent research has highlighted the bidirectional communication between the liver and the brain. It is termed as the liver-brain axis, which serves as the two-way passage for interaction between the two organs.
Role of Inflammation in Liver Diseases and Dementia
Studies have shown that chronic liver diseases, such as liver fibrosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cause an increase in chronic systemic inflammation. This persistent inflammation can have widespread effects, including impacts on brain health and cognitive function. Inflammation is a common characteristic connecting liver diseases and dementia.
A 2023 study published in the magazine Cells suggests that this chronic inflammation might be the critical factor linking NAFLD to dementia. According to a study published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, people suffering from NAFLD have a 38% higher risk of dementia. Specifically, people with NAFLD were 44% more prone to vascular dementia caused due to inadequate blood flow to the brain.
Beyond Inflammation: Other Potential Connections
While inflammation is a vital factor, other potential connections between liver diseases and dementia are being researched extensively. Changes in gut microbiome composition due to liver dysfunction, impaired detoxification of harmful substances, and even reduced blood flow to the brain might play a role in this connection.
Since the role of gut microbiome in influencing the liver and brain functions is also significant, researchers are also focusing on the gut-liver-brain axis. Further research is needed to understand this intricate connection completely.
Implications for Dementia Risk
The connection between dementia and liver diseases is a new and evolving area of research. It is important to remember that the exact mechanisms linking the brain and the liver are not established yet. However, emerging evidence suggests a potential link that could pave the way for earlier detection of dementia risks. It can also be used to develop treatment strategies and methods that address both liver and brain health.
Maintaining a Healthy Liver for Cognitive Well-Being
While the specific connection between the liver and the brain is still being researched, maintaining overall health is crucial for both the liver and the brain. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and regular exercise will benefit the liver and, thereby, improve your cognitive well-being.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the relationship between liver health and brain function offers hope for advancing dementia prevention and treatment in the future. The liver-brain axis, along with inflammation and systemic effects of liver-related conditions, plays a crucial role in influencing brain function. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying informed about the latest research, we can equip ourselves and take a proactive approach to protecting our brain and liver health.