Can Laxatives Really Cause Dementia? Expert Analysis of Latest Research

Discover the shocking link between laxative use and dementia in our latest video. Join the experts at NEURO Academy as we analyze the latest research and critically examine the methodology and results. Learn what you need to know about this concerning association and how to protect your cognitive health.
This episode was part of a live discussion in the Science Club of the NEURO Academy. We discussed the recent article that showed an association between laxative intake and dementia, and critically analzed the methodology and the results for the audience. We then answered their questions.
Reference:
Feng, J., Zheng, N., Fan, X., Li, S., Jiang, Y., Yi, X., & Yang, H. (2023). Association of laxatives use with incident dementia and modifying effect of genetic susceptibility: a population-based cohort study with propensity score matching. BMC geriatrics, 23(1), 1-12.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:09 Constipation and its relation with dementia
7:35 The definition of constipation according to AGA
9:25 the mechanism of how a stool is formed
14:14 The link between digestive problems and mental well-being.
17:15 Analysing the scientific paper.
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[@betzib8021]

I have fought ibs and constipation all my life even with wfpb diet...exercise...sleep etc. Laxative herbs are a mainstay. Constipation is a marker that there is a breakdown between the neurological system and the colon needs. It's not laxatives that cause the problem...it's the dissonance between the brain and the gut. I've had this condition since early childhood...even from toddler existence. So if it's early alzheimers. It started as soon as I started eating solid food.

[@angelaramsay1778]

This comment is clearer and more helpful than most vidoes on the gut. 'dissonance between the brain and gut'. Im about to try betaine hydrochloride. After I will try bile salts.

[@betzib8021]

@@angelaramsay1778 there is an enzyme called enzymall that has a good formulation of bile salts. Also...I have found butyrate to be somewhat helpful. Our gut should make it from fiber...but I think a faulty functioning gut doesn't do so well at that job and without those short chain fatty acids it doesn't make propionate too well which smooths out peristaltic movements. The effects of butyrate are subtle though and you just have to see if you think it's helpful. I cheer you on. Its always people who never had the problem that think they've got the answer.

[@karenredding9439]

@@angelaramsay1778 I take Dr Berg D3 & K2 ,and Dr Berg Gallbladder it has bile salts. It may help.

[@eloisepharmacist]

Exactly what I think. Fighting chronic constipation and IBS is such a stress on the body and mind.

[@tinakaminskadickinson3328]

Magnesium Citrate works well.

[@blue-fj9ky]

No one thinks much about brain health until something goes wrong..then nothing is more important! Thank you Team Sherzai for all you do.

[@eveelliot2109]

This is fascinating.....I noticed Parkinson tremors in Uncle. Plus cognitive decline before he had diagnosis. Also for years he had problems Constipation with increasing medications to treat. I would nag, nag you don't need more medication you need to eat more fibre...20years later diagnosed Vascular dementia. But. for years by choice he had a no fibre. Cheap high fat diet.

[@tinakaminskadickinson3328]

I’ve always had it, my sister and mom have always had it. Recently I took a really good probiotic for 8 months and my whole lifelong pattern of constipation changed. Weird.

[@lindamorgan2678]

Not weird you just not know as MOST DRs

[@niamhbyrne4036]

Which probiotic? Thanks

[@StephenMarkTurner]

Everything is connected to everything I guess when it comes to the body. I am 66, and glad that I can't recall ever using a laxative.

[@sharonoflondon3365]

Thank you for your work-very enlightening!

[@bohditony]

Eg. All pharmaceuticals have GI & drowsiness side effects bc same receptors are present in gut & brain

[@eloisepharmacist]

As a Pharmacist who has written laxatives guidelines I find this very interesting. I have had a good read of ths study. I do think that it does miss the cause/effect as you mention. The need for laxatives (more than just bulk) is an indicator of many other reasons of poor health & disabilities. Also, there are so many other medications that cause a decline in cognitive function such as opioids and anticholinergics that slow gut motility.

[@eloisepharmacist]

I also think osmotic laxatives are the worst for the microbiome etc. As you say it just flushes everything out and dehydrates.

[@eloisepharmacist]

Thank you I really enjoyed this - I agree with your ending - look for the reason of the constipation and treat that. It is important to know why when choosing the correct laxative - I.e. if opioids have switched off peristalsis then it needs a stimulant to switch it back on.

[@brigidoconnor3706]

@@eloisepharmacist 0

[@betzib8021]

@@eloisepharmacist actually they don't always. Taken in the small amounts needed for chronic constipation management..osmotics can turn feces to liquid but do not provide the stimulus for peristalsis...and..for some...this worsens constipation because the liquefied stool loses the bulking effect needed to tell the rectum to evacuate. Then the stool must sit there until the excess water is reabsorbed...making the unelimiated stool above it become even drier. The same is true for some with magnesium. The end result (no pun intended) is the opposite of desired. In these cases one must add insult to injury by taking an anticholinergic like Bentyl to relax the lower colon enough to signal that there is bulk there and thus stimulate the peristaltic wave for evacuation.

[@betzib8021]

@@eloisepharmacist look for the reason...ahhh....but most of us spend our lives doing just that. We send our gastros' kids to college and fund their vacations. What an elusive project. This comment is only made by those who have not got the condition.

[@studentaccount4354]

Excellent show!

[@genier7829]

Thank you for an interesting review

[@loreall.2461]

I stumbled upon this video and found it very informative. Many thanks for enlightening us! I take Spirinolactone for my hormonal acne and I find using a daily generic Colace helps keeps things moving.

[@lolitaaquino5950]

Pls continue to educate us especially Seniors that could really benefit from ur Podcast. Ur new subscriber from NJ, 75 young Tnx so much great job for what u both do. 🧡❤️🩷🙏🙏🙏

[@patsyriggs3915]

What can be learnt from stool sample that cannot be learnt from blood test?

[@elizabethramsey9295]

Thank goodness for fermented cabbage 😊

[@betzib8021]

Can you ferment it without salt

[@adamkallin5160]

Unfortunately I need to take laxatives or it’s a disaster. Fiber doesn’t help me at all. Thankfully low dose lactulose is only associated with 12% increased risk according to study.

[@TheBrainDocs]

I am sure you have explored this already, but recalcitrant cases of constipation, that don’t respond to the regular remedies should be explored further, as a specialist can often find a cause that could potentially be addressed. Good luck!

[@cmkirn]

Over what age should one check BP 2x/Day?

[@fengsha8107]

I think you mixed up the laxatives studies published on neurology and BMC.

[@theresageiger584]

I did lots of laxatives and enemas and DIARETICS

[@theresageiger584]

Baby aspirin when I was little screwed me up

[@marchellagulino533]

Can alvtive an starviinf make some budy no feel any feeling in there stomic an be ling constapated

[@lisamcfarland8518]

Is a magnesium supplement taken at night considered a laxative?

[@lisamcfarland8518]

Ok looked it up, it is an osmotic laxative and you covered those. Thanks

[@gloriareszler4196]

Can you eat too much fiber?

[@irenecohen8708]

What about those of us who have been to take psyllium husk to regulate both diarrhea and constipation for IBS and even for diarrhea of some IBDs?

[@kathysharp7551]

Maybe optimize your lifestyle to maximize overall health. I think these docs have an excellent book about that calls Alzheimer's Solution (actually, I think they may have a newer book also).

[@kathysharp7551]

Also, Dr. Greger's book How Not to Die is great with respect to food. (which is only 1 pillar, although a very important one, of lifestyle medicine).

[@betzib8021]

Psyllium is not a laxative.

[@jobenalex-we3vx]

0:46

[@theresageiger584]

Nobody can save my life now

[@marchellagulino533]

Me to I I starve my self an abuse laxive fir 2 year an it fucked up my stomic an my pooping an I tried to eat an it didn't do nothing doctors nothing is helping to be back tonnirnal an my body working know my body isnbarly working right 😊

[@marchellagulino533]

😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@theresageiger584]

I should have never done laxatives

[@betzib8021]

T he idea that any physician has a clue about how to help constipation....any clue about what causes it...has any clue what to prescribe that isn't a laxative...is sadly hilarious. You are better off on the internet.