Constipation and cognitive decline: an established link?

According to one study presented at an international conference on the Alzheimer’s Associationthere chronic constipationaffecting a significant part of the adult population, could be associated with impaired cognitive abilities. The researchers examined data from over 110,000 people, collecting information on stool frequency and self-reported cognitive function over several years. The results showed that people with less frequent bowel movements, including once every three days or less, had poorer cognitive performance corresponding to a three more years of cognitive aging compared to those having a daily frequency (source 1).

This phenomenon of chronic constipation would affect about 10-20% of adults, especially womenand would be more prevalent in the elderly due to factors such as low fiber diets, lack of exercise and taking certain medications.

According to Heather M. Snyder, the association’s vice president of medical and scientific relations, bodily systems are intertwined, and a malfunction in one can affect the others. Thus, maintaining a healthy intestine through a balanced diet rich in fiber and polyphenols (from fruits, vegetables, cereals and whole grains), sufficient hydration and regular physical activity could be a way forward. to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. However, while these results are promising, there are still many unanswered questions regarding the exact link between digestive health and long-term cognitive function. Further research could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches and risk reduction measures for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.