Has your elderly mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather started to forget things? Or have you noticed a change in their behavior or speech? When we see something like this, the first fear that comes to our minds is, "Oh, is this person starting to develop dementia too?" Most of the time, we think like that and feel sad, but we give up on it, thinking that it is something that cannot be treated. However, I am going to tell you a very important story today. Sometimes, this memory loss may not be dementia, but another condition that can be treated and improved.
What is this condition that is mistakenly thought of as dementia?
A recent large study found that between 10% and 13% of patients diagnosed with dementia actually have another medical condition. This condition is directly related to the liver, a very important organ in our body.
Simply put, this is what happens:
1. Liver damage (Cirrhosis): The liver is like the factory in our body. The liver performs many important functions such as digesting the food we eat, making proteins needed by the body, and removing toxins from the blood. However, due to various reasons (for example, excessive alcohol consumption, some viral infections, fatty liver caused by diabetes), this liver is damaged, scar tissue forms in it, and its function gradually decreases. This is what we call cirrhosis in medicine.
2. Hepatic Encephalopathy: Now that the liver's factory is not working properly, toxins produced in the body, especially things like ammonia, are not filtered properly and removed. These toxins accumulate in the blood and go directly to the brain with the blood circulation. When the brain cannot handle these toxins, the functioning of the brain cells begins to be disrupted. That is why we call it Hepatic Encephalopathy .
This means that the brain is confused due to a liver problem. Because the symptoms are so similar to dementia, doctors can sometimes miss it.
Why are these two conditions so intertwined?
The symptoms of both Dementia and Hepatic Encephalopathy are very similar. That's why they are often confused with each other. Let's understand this difference a little more clearly.
| Symptom | How it looks in dementia | How it is seen in Hepatic Encephalopathy |
|---|---|---|
| Memory and attention | Memory declines gradually and permanently. The condition worsens over time. | Memory and attention spans fluctuate. Some days you're fine, and other days you're very confused. It's very hard to stay focused. |
| Sleep pattern | There may be some changes in sleep. | Sleep patterns are completely turned upside down. You're sleepy all day and can't sleep at night. |
| Behavior and personality | You may notice personality changes over time. You may feel like you are not the same person you used to be. | Suddenly becoming angry, agitated, or very quiet. Changes in behavior can be noticed quickly. |
| Physical characteristics | There are usually few special physical characteristics in the early stages. | Symptoms include a fluttering tremor when the arms are extended, a sweet or musty smell to the breath, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). |
Why is it so important to be aware of this?
Imagine how valuable it is to know this difference, because the treatments and progression of the disease for these two conditions are completely different.
Dementia is often a progressive, irreversible condition. However, Hepatic Encephalopathy is a disease that can be controlled with proper treatment, eliminate symptoms, and return to a normal life.
This is the most important point here. Hepatic Encephalopathy is a treatable condition! Doctors can treat the liver and give special medications to reduce the level of toxins in the blood. Once this treatment is started, the symptoms that have disrupted brain function gradually disappear. The patient is able to think clearly again and regain their memory.
Not only that, early detection of cirrhosis of the liver also helps to prevent other dangerous diseases, because if left untreated, cirrhosis can develop into serious conditions like liver cancer .
So what should we do?
After reading this article, the big question on your mind is, "What do we do now?" What needs to be done is very simple.
1. If in doubt, see a doctor immediately: If someone in your family, especially an elderly person, is experiencing symptoms such as memory loss or behavioral changes, don't just dismiss it as 'Dementia'. See your family doctor immediately and talk about it.
2. Ask about the liver: When talking to your doctor, don't be afraid to mention these symptoms and ask, "Doctor, could these symptoms be caused by a liver problem? Shouldn't we also do a liver function test?"
3. Referral to the right specialist: Your doctor will refer you to a hepatologist/gastroenterologist or a neurologist if necessary.
4. Don't be afraid of tests: Tests to check liver function are very simple. Usually, a lot of information can be found out through things like blood tests (Liver Function Tests) and an ultrasound scan .
Remember, it is our responsibility to look after the health of our loved ones. Don't let the word dementia scare you away from a treatable disease. A correct diagnosis is the first and most important step to the right treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Not all memory loss that occurs with age is dementia.
- Hepatic encephalopathy, a condition caused by cirrhosis of the liver, can also cause memory loss.
- This condition, called Hepatic Encephalopathy, can be completely cured with proper medical treatment.
- If an adult in your family is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, see a doctor and have their liver function checked.
- An accurate diagnosis can save a life and improve the quality of life.
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