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.
View More Free Articles
11 Hacks to Beat the Winter Blues
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many of us find ourselves battling more than just the cold weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that strikes during fall and winter, affects millions each year. While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, experts say that seasonal changes disrupt our body’s circadian...
Mailbag: Halt Hair Loss Naturally
“I take a lot of vitamins, but my hair is falling out by the handfuls. I am 85 years old, but don’t have any major health problems that I know of.” – Hair Today Gone Tomorrow Hi Hair Today, I understand your concern about hair loss. Few things make us feel older than our years, quite...
5 Fall Foods to Supercharge Your Immune System
It starts with a tickle in the back of your throat… Or a little sniffle or sneeze—and before you know it, you’re knocked down for the count. Cold and flu season has arrived. If you’ve managed to escape these sneaky little viruses so far, let’s try to keep it that way. Because, let’s be honest,...
Common Chemicals Could Be Sabotaging Your Sleep
Do you have trouble sleeping? Many of us blame common causes like afternoon coffee or evening screen time. But what if the real culprit is something you’d never expect—lurking right in your home? New research points to troubling evidence about how everyday chemicals could sabotage your shut-eye… Scientists have uncovered an alarming link between common...
The Forgotten Berry Your Bones Are Craving
Strawberries and blueberries rank first and second as America’s favorite berries. And, of course, cranberries shoot to the top of the list around this time of year. But there’s another underrated berry we should be giving a second look. Especially if you’re a senior concerned about your bone health. Because new research reveals this unassuming...
Gut Hack Helps You Avoid the Flu
Flu season hasn’t ramped up… yet. According to the CDC’s FluView, we’re still hovering at around one percent of the population testing positive for influenza. That’s fantastic news… but it doesn’t mean it’s time to rest. In fact, NOW is the time to prepare, because this is the calm before this season’s storm. As the...
Ditch “Calendar Age” to Live Longer and BETTER
“Age is just a number.” If we’ve heard that phrase once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. So, it’s easy to dismiss the thought. But the truth is, how old you feel is more critical than the number of candles on your birthday cake. Let me explain… Imagine the following scenario… Two 65-year-olds walk into...
5 Reasons to Eat MORE Pumpkin This Fall
When you think of fall, what comes to mind? Colorful leaves? Cozy sweaters? How about pumpkins? Sure, you probably carved one for Halloween, and you may bake a couple cans of it into a pie for Thanksgiving. But what if I told you that this humble squash could ALSO be your secret weapon for staying...
Mailbag: Break Free from Cholesterol Lowering Statins
“What’s my alternative to a statin drug for cholesterol control? I’ve been suggested to take Red Yeast Rice a natural cholesterol control. Best way to keep my arteries clear of plaque?” – Skipping Statins Hi Skipping, I don’t need to tell you how vital cardiovascular health is. However, the medical establishment insists that the only path...
Weird Nightmare Trigger Has an Easy Fix
To all our veterans – we pause today to express our profound gratitude for your service and sacrifice. Your unwavering commitment to defending our nation’s values represents the very best of America. Nightmares happen during REM sleep, which usually occurs halfway through the night. They’re typically brief, but they can make it difficult to fall...