The Surprising Link Between Fatty Liver and Cognitive Decline
Did you know that an estimated 30% of US adults may have fatty liver disease? [1]
And the health consequences may go much further than the liver!
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, and it is often associated with metabolic problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases [3]. New research suggests that its impact may extend beyond metabolic health and into brain function and neurovascular health! [4].
Recent research has come out revealing complex connections between NAFLD and dementia [2]. This relationship highlights the importance of addressing liver health to potentially mitigate risks associated with cognitive decline.
The mechanisms behind this connection are complex and multifaceted, but may be related to:
1. Inflammation. NAFLD is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which can adversely affect various organs, including the brain. Chronic inflammation can lead to neuroinflammation, a process that damages brain cells and contributes to cognitive decline [6, 7].
2. Vascular health. NAFLD may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Poor cardiovascular health can reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to cognitive impairment and an increased risk of dementia. [8]
3. Insulin Resistance. Insulin resistance has been proposed as a mechanism for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and it may explain its relationship to dementia. Prolonged, high levels of insulin (which can be caused by high sugar consumption, which is common with the Standard American Diet) may influence the development of fatty deposits in the liver [3]. Dementia has also been associated with insulin resistance [5].
Preventing or managing NAFLD through lifestyle modifications, such as eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity may not only improve liver health but also reduce the risk of dementia.
We'll talk about strategies for dealing with fatty liver disease in my next blog post, but if you're interested in 1:1 virtual wellness to get to the root cause of your health issues, feel free to reach out!
Basic Health Checklist:
Here is a quick checklist to get you started with the foundational aspects of health.
Am I getting some sort of movement each day, or at least three 30 minute sessions per week?
Am I getting >5 servings of fruits/veggies each day?
Am I drinking half of my body weight (lbs) in ounces of water per day?
Am I getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night?
Am I able to handle the daily stresses in my life?
Do I have a good support system?
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about how to work towards optimal health!
Sources:
[1]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32061595/#:~:text=Nonalcoholic%20fatty%20liver%20disease%20
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35289469/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541033/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37641505/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9966425/
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35630058/
