Cognitive impairment and Constipation

Posted by ivysophia @ivysophia, Oct 4 7:56pm

Hi, have you found that cognitive impairment is associated with constipation? Is it reversible? What have you been told by professionals? Do you know of any science to explain this – any research or literature?

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slkanowitz | @slkanowitz | Oct 6 2:11am

Cognitive impairment, confusion, hallucinations and personality changes can all occur with severe constipation. especially when it reaches the point of fecal impaction where the bowel is so full that liquid stool is forced around the hard stool that cannot be eliminated. This is a serious situation! There are good articles about this online if you google “cognitive changes and fecal impaction”.

researchmaven | @researchmaven | Oct 6 11:41pm

I know someone that had serious fecal impaction and she did seem impaired. Regarding normal constipation, I never feel very sharp when in that situation.

slkanowitz | @slkanowitz | Oct 7 1:08am

Constipation can increase ammonia levels in the blood which is toxic to the brain, leading to delirium and other mental abnormalities. There are numerous articles linking constipation to dementia and dementia leading to constipation. Fascinating connection between the two problems. Probably a commonly overlooked cause of agitation, delirium, confusion etc in the elderly especially. I guess our bathroom habits are more important than anyone ever realized.. I am going to load up on Miralax!