The Unexpected Organ Behind Your Brain Fog
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 25, 2024
Dementia is a nightmare most of us would do just about anything to avoid. The thought of losing our mental faculties is downright terrifying.
But what if, in some cases, what looks like dementia could actually be a sign of ANOTHER organ crying out for help?
Sounds weird, right?
Well, keep reading for the surprising details…
We often think of dementia and Alzheimer’s as the same disease.
However, new research published in The American Journal of Medicine suggests that up to 13 percent of so-called dementia cases could have a very different and unexpected origin.
The groundbreaking study uncovered a surprising link between liver health and cognitive decline.
When researchers reviewed the medical records of 68,807 dementia patients from a national database, they found that 13 percent of them had high fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) scores on an index used to measure liver scarring.
But here’s the shocking part—many of these patients were completely unaware of their liver condition.
The hidden link between the two organs is a condition called hepatic encephalopathy. It’s a fancy term for cognitive impairment caused by liver failure.
Hepatic encephalopathy impacts more than 40 percent of patients with advanced liver disease (cirrhosis), and its symptoms can be eerily similar to dementia.
You see, when the liver starts malfunctioning, it doesn’t just stay confined to that one organ. Instead, it sets off a domino effect, stressing other tissues in the body, including those in the kidneys, pancreas, heart, and brain.
The cognitive impairments, such as brain fog, caused by liver disease can be difficult to distinguish from traditional dementia. This means that some people are struggling with what they think is dementia when, in reality, their liver is the root cause.
So, what can you do to protect your liver AND brain?
- Monitor your liver health. Regular check-ups and liver function tests can catch problems early.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol consumption support better liver and brain health.
- Be aware of the symptoms. Unexplained cognitive decline, confusion, or personality changes could be signs of liver issues as well as dementia.
- Don’t ignore fatigue or digestive issues. These could be early warning signs of liver problems.
If you or a loved one begins experiencing cognitive issues, don’t just assume it’s “old age” or early dementia. Ask your doctor to also take a closer look at your liver health.
P.S. “Green Banana” solution FIGHTS fatty liver.
Source:
Scott Silvey, MS, Richard K Sterling, MD, Evan French, MS, et al., A Possible Reversible Cause of Cognitive Impairment: Undiagnosed Cirrhosis and Potential Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients with Dementia, The American Journal of Medicine, Published: June 26, 2024, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.06.014
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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