Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects nearly 3 million people in the United States. Dementia, on the other hand, is a brain disorder that leads to a decline in memory and cognitive function.

While the connection between these two conditions may seem unlikely, recent studies suggest that there may be a link between them.

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus.

It is caused by the body’s immune system attacking healthy tissues in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation and damage. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a group of brain disorders that affect a person’s ability to think, remember, and reason. It is a progressive condition that worsens over time, and it can eventually lead to an inability to perform basic daily activities.

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for up to 80% of all dementia cases.

The Link Between Crohn’s Disease and Dementia

While the cause of dementia is not fully understood, research suggests that inflammation in the brain may play a role.

This has led scientists to investigate the potential link between Crohn’s disease, which is characterized by chronic inflammation in the gut, and dementia.

A study published in the journal Gut found that people with Crohn’s disease were more likely to develop dementia than those without the condition.

The study followed more than 6,500 people with Crohn’s disease and over 67,000 people without the condition for over a decade. It found that those with Crohn’s disease had a 29% higher risk of developing dementia than those without the condition.

Another study, published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, found that people with Crohn’s disease who had a history of taking steroids to manage their symptoms had a higher risk of developing dementia than those who did not take steroids. Steroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation in the body, including inflammation in the gut caused by Crohn’s disease.

Why is There a Link?

The exact reason why there may be a link between Crohn’s disease and dementia is not yet clear. However, there are several theories.

One theory is that the chronic inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease may increase inflammation in the brain, which can lead to dementia. Another theory is that the immune system dysfunction seen in Crohn’s disease may also affect the brain and increase the risk of dementia.

What Can You Do?

If you have Crohn’s disease, it is important to manage the condition to reduce inflammation and prevent complications. This may include taking medication, modifying your diet, and getting regular check-ups with your doctor.

If you are concerned about your risk of developing dementia, talk to your doctor. They may be able to provide recommendations for reducing your risk, such as staying mentally and physically active, eating a healthy diet, and managing any chronic health conditions you may have.

The Bottom Line

While more research is needed to fully understand the link between Crohn’s disease and dementia, existing studies suggest that people with Crohn’s disease may have an increased risk of developing dementia.

If you have Crohn’s disease, it is important to manage the condition and talk to your doctor about your risk of developing dementia.