Prolonged constipation can lead to the risk of memory loss

Although constipation is a condition that many people suffer from, few people know that it not only affects the health of the digestive system, but also has the potential to cause memory loss.

Some neurological diseases cause constipation

Master - Specialist Doctor 1 Tran Van Hieu, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Military Hospital 175, said that constipation can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term): "According to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, chronic constipation is determined when constipation lasts for more than 3 months and significantly affects the quality of life. This can include causes, due to disease and also due to living habits".

Accordingly, the causes of constipation can be listed as follows:

Intestinal obstruction : Tumors in the colon, rectum, or outside the colon that compress the colon can block the movement of stool, causing constipation.

Constipation can cause many other complications to the intestines, digestive system and nerves, and should not be ignored.

Neurological disorders : People with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or spinal cord injury often have difficulty controlling bowel movements.

Hypothyroidism : Decreased thyroid function can also slow metabolism and bowel movements, causing constipation.

Poor toilet habits : Holding in bowel movements or not having regular toilet habits increases the risk of constipation because stools are stored in the colon for a long time, becoming dry and difficult to push out.

Medication use : Some medications can cause constipation such as opioid pain relievers, antidepressants, diuretics, iron supplements, calcium channel blockers, etc.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders : People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) often have difficulty regulating bowel movements, leading to constipation or diarrhea.

Lack of fiber and water : Makes stool dry and difficult to move through the colon. Drinking enough water and eating enough fiber will help stool to be eliminated more easily.

Lack of physical activity: Slows down the digestive system, leading to constipation.

Hormonal and age-related changes such as pregnancy and old age.

Why is it said that constipation affects memory and cognition?

Dr. Tran Van Hieu said that constipation may be associated with the risk of memory loss and impairment due to the effects of the gut-brain axis: “This axis is the connection system between the intestinal microflora and the central nervous system, through immune, endocrine and neurological mechanisms. Prolonged constipation can disrupt the intestinal microflora, leading to a decrease in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, affecting brain function. In addition, inflammation caused by constipation can produce inflammatory mediators (cytokines) that damage nerve tissue, contributing to cognitive decline.”

Not only that, prolonged constipation, especially over 3 months and not responding to basic treatments can increase the risk of memory loss, especially in the elderly. Severe constipation combined with other risk factors such as malnutrition, dehydration, or chronic diseases (such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's) is more likely to cause cognitive decline.

“The accumulation of toxins in the body due to delays in the elimination of stool can affect brain function and impair cognitive ability,” said Dr. Hieu.

Add more fiber from vegetables, tubers, fruits and drink enough water every day to prevent or relieve constipation symptoms.

Many serious consequences, should not be ignored

Doctor Hieu added that if constipation persists, the patient may suffer from the following conditions:

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures : Difficulty in defecation causes the veins in the anal area to dilate, causing hemorrhoids and anal fissures, which are painful and may bleed.

Hard stools and intestinal obstruction : Long-term constipation can lead to the accumulation of hard stools in the colon, forming fecal stones, even causing intestinal obstruction, which must be treated with medical intervention.

Rectal prolapse : Chronic constipation can increase pressure on the rectum and lead to rectal prolapse, when part of the rectum slips out.

Urinary disorders and urinary tract infections : Long-term constipation can affect the bladder and urinary tract, increasing the risk of infection.

Weakened immune system and inflammation : Toxin buildup and chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system and make you susceptible to other inflammatory diseases.

To prevent and alleviate constipation, Dr. Tran Van Hieu recommends healthy living habits, especially supplementing with fiber-rich nutrients, drinking enough water, exercising regularly and practicing the habit of going to the toilet on time. In addition, reducing stress through meditation and deep breathing can also help improve constipation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proactively treating constipation will help improve quality of life and reduce the risk of related complications.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tao-bon-keo-dai-co-the-dan-toi-nguy-co-suy-giam-tri-nho-185241203175023084.htm