13% Of Those With Dementia May Instead Have Cognitive Decline From Cirrhosis

About 13% of individuals diagnosed with dementia may instead have a type of reversible cognitive decline, hepatic encephalopathy, caused by advanced liver disease (cirrhosis). Factors that increase the risk of cirrhosis include older age, being male, congestive heart failure, viral hepatitis, alcohol use, and certain health conditions. 

Hepatic encephalopathy is a nervous system disorder brought on by cirrhosis, an advanced form of liver disease characterized by severe scarring of the liver. When the liver does not work properly, toxins build up in the blood. These toxins can travel to the brain and affect brain function, leaving individuals confused or delirious . . .