A recent study suggests that some dementia diagnoses may actually be linked to undiagnosed liver disease. Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine and Richmond VA Medical Center found a connection between cognitive decline and severe liver disease.
The study analyzed 69,000 non-veteran patients diagnosed with dementia between 2009 and 2019, with 13% exhibiting high scores indicative of liver disease. This indicates that some patients may have received an incorrect diagnosis initially.
Previous research has also shown that 10% of U.S. military veterans diagnosed with dementia may have actually had cirrhosis. This underscores the importance of accurately diagnosing cognitive issues related to liver disease.
Gastroenterologist Jasmohan Bajaj emphasized the need for providers to consider hepatic encephalopathy as a potential factor in dementia cases, as the condition is easily treatable. Failure to diagnose liver issues in patients with cirrhosis could lead to further cognitive decline and serious health complications.
Screening for liver disease in older adults experiencing cognitive decline could be a simple and effective addition to their healthcare plan, aiding in early detection and proper treatment. By differentiating between complex liver disease and dementia, healthcare providers can better address the needs of their patients.
Integrating liver assessments into routine care and utilizing tools like the FIB-4 index for quick evaluation could help identify liver issues sooner and prevent misdiagnoses. Innovative solutions, such as smartphone applications for medication management, are also being developed to support patients with cognitive decline.
Research into the interconnected nature of liver disease and dementia has shown promising results in improving patient outcomes and quality of life. By focusing on accurate diagnosis and tailored treatments, healthcare providers can better support older adults facing both liver disease and cognitive decline.
