According to one study presented at an international conference on the Alzheimer’s Associationthere chronic constipationwhich affects a significant part of the adult population, could be associated with impaired cognitive skills. The researchers examined data of more than 110,000 people, collecting information on stool frequency and self-reported cognitive function over several years. The results proved it people with less frequent bowel movements, including once every three days or less, had lower cognitive performance. corresponding to three more years of cognitive aging compared to those with a daily frequency (source 1).
This phenomenon of chronic constipation would affect about 10-20% of adults, especially womenand it would be more common in the elderly due to factors such as THE Diets low fiber, lack of exercise and taking certain medications.
The brain and digestive system are even more connected than we thought
According to Heather M. Snyder, the association’s vice president of medical and scientific relations, body systems are intertwined and a malfunction in one can affect the others. So maintaining a healthy gut through a balanced diet rich in fiber and polyphenols (from fruits, vegetables, grains and whole grains), sufficient hydration and regular physical activity could be a way to go. to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. However, while these results are promising, there are still many unanswered questions about the exact link between digestive health and long-term cognitive function. Further research could pave the way new therapeutic approaches and risk reduction measures for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
