Cognitive Assessment and Brain Function Evaluation in Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Study of Relationship Between Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Cognitive Impairment

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cognitive impairment and evaluate the effect of metabolic surgery or lifestyle intervention on cognition.

Previous research has shown that Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Even though there are many noninvasive tests available, a liver biopsy is still required for the accurate diagnosis of NAFLD. However, there are now few studies on cognitive function in patients with NAFLD based on pathological diagnosis. On one hand, in the cross-sectional study, biometric measurements, cognitive assessment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results are analysed to explore the differences among control subjects and NAFLD patients undergoing liver biopsy. One the other hand, in the longitudinal study, changes in cognitive scales and MRI results in NAFLD patients both at baseline and 12-48 months after intervention are collected to investigate whether surgical intervention and weight control benefit brain function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• >6 years of education
• right handed

Exclusion Criteria:

• consumed excessive alcohol (≥140 g/week for males or ≥ 70 g/week for females)
• with history of other liver diseases including chronic hepatitis, biliary obstructive diseases or autoimmune hepatitis
• with thyroid diseases
• in a state of anxiety or depression
• inability to complete cognitive function scales