Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and neurological defects

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be considered one of the most common causes of liver disease in our days and is regarded as one of the newest vascular risk factors for cerebrovascular and other neurological diseases.

Materials and methods: We studied a group of neurological outpatients, divided into two homogenous groups based on the presence or absence of NAFLD.

Results and conclusions: We testified an independent relationship between NAFLD and common vascular risk factors (age, sex, educational level, BMI, cholesterol and lipid assessment, Hb1ac). At the same time, we ascertained an independent relationship between NAFLD and more recently recognized vascular risk factors, such as lack of folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin D-OH25, and increased levels of homocysteine. Finally, we have documented that NAFLD showed worse executive and frontal functions, and behavioral changes, such as depressive mood and anxiety, and apathy.

Keywords: Behavior diseases; Liver steatosis; Neurological disorders; Vascular risk factors.