Genetic Study Suggests Link Between Liver Disease and Vascular Dementia

Key Findings:

• MR analysis suggested a positive causal association between MASLD confirmed by liver biopsy and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis with vascular dementia (VD).

• However, there was no evidence of a causal link between MASLD-related diseases and cognitive performance or other types of dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies).

• Sensitivity tests supported the robustness of the results, indicating the reliability of the findings.

This study highlights a potential link between MASLD-related diseases, particularly liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, and an increased risk of vascular dementia. While further research is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms, this study contributes to our understanding of the broader health implications of MASLD.

Healthcare professionals should consider monitoring cognitive function in individuals with MASLD-related liver conditions, particularly those at risk for vascular dementia. Continued investigation into the relationship between liver health and cognitive outcomes is warranted to inform comprehensive patient care strategies.

Reference:

Li Y-S, Xia Y-G, Liu Y-L, Jiang W-R, Qiu H-N, Wu F, et al. (2024) Metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease-related diseases, cognition and dementia: A two-sample mendelian randomization study. PLoS ONE 19(2): e0297883. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297883