Metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has been increasingly recognized as a significant health concern worldwide, with potential implications beyond liver health. Recent studies have explored the relationship between MASLD-related diseases and cognitive function, yet findings have been inconsistent. A recent study aimed to provide clarity on the effects of MASLD-related diseases on cognition and dementia.

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This study was published in PloS One journal by Yao-Shuang Li and colleagues. MASLD encompasses a spectrum of liver conditions, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which has been linked to various metabolic disorders.
Researchers utilized mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, a method leveraging genetic variants associated with MASLD-related traits, to investigate causal relationships with cognition and dementia. Three MR methods (inverse-variance weighted, weighted median, and MR-Egger) were employed, along with sensitivity tests to assess the robustness of the results.
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