The Unexpected Organ Behind Your Brain Fog

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

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

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.

View More Free Articles

Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry

Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...

Read This

Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next

You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...

Read This

Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead

I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...

Read This

This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months

You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...

Read This

Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works

“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...

Read This

Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets

You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...

Read This

"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...

Read This

This "Healthy" Sweetener is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss

Everyone knows that a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. But what if the “diet” products you’re using to cut calories make you hungrier, so you eat more? Well, a shocking new study suggests that a popular artificial sweetener is secretly sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Let’s dig into...

Read This

“Banned in Europe” Food Additive Triggers Hormone Chaos

If you’ve ever enjoyed the bright white frosting on a cookie or vibrantly colored candy, you’ve likely consumed titanium dioxide. This common food additive, used to make products look more appealing, is now at the center of a growing health debate. Titanium dioxide is essentially makeup for food—a white powder that enhances colors and makes...

Read This

Your Phone Is DESTROYING Your Brain—Here's How to Fight Back

Ever notice how—after a day of bouncing between your phone, computer, and TV—your brain feels like it’s been stuffed with cotton? You may struggle to remember what you need at the store, fumble for words, or stare blankly at your crossword puzzle. It’s not because you’re getting older—it’s what your devices are doing to your...

Read This