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Risk factor analysis for cognitive impairment in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Barsah R.T.H.
Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio Per Le Scienze Mediche
Q4Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hepatic lipid accumulation is a defining feature of liver diseases, referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). According to recent studies, there may be a connection between NAFLD and cognitive impairment, namely concerning memory and attention. This study aimed to define the forms of cognitive deficits associated with these risk variables and determine the factors contributing to cognitive impairment in NAFLD patients.METHODS: An analytical observational study was conducted at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Teaching Hospital in Indonesia from 2023 to 2024. A total of 126 NAFLD patients were included, and cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Indonesia (MoCA-INA) instrument. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).RESULTS: Among the 126 NAFLD patients analyzed, 63 (50%) exhibited cognitive impairment, primarily as memory deficits. Obesity and dyslipidemia were significantly associated with cognitive impairment, with obesity presenting a 4.5-fold increased risk and dyslipidemia a 2.5-fold increased risk. However, hypertension and diabetes mellitus did not show significant associations with cognitive impairment.CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the prevalence of cognitive impairment in NAFLD patients and highlights obesity and dyslipidemia as significant risk factors for cognitive decline in this population. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the relationship between NAFLD and cognitive impairment.