Attention, Memory, and Cognitive Function in Hepatic Encephalopathy

Abstract

Deficits in attention and arousal play a major role in the clinical presentation of hepatic encephalopathy. Attention deficits are also the main components of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. The present paper summarizes some findings about attentional and memory dysfunction in hepatic encephalopathy, with reference to basic knowledge about normal attention and memory function and their cerebral representation.

Gut-Brain Chemokine Changes in Portal Hypertensive Rats

“…Increased glucose utilization by the basal ganglia, the hippocampus and cerebellum are also associated with increased deposition of manganese [41]. In accordance with these findings a significant correlation between cognitive function and glucose utilization of the cortical regions, even in patients with minimal HE [42], has been detected.…”

Alterations of corticostriatal plasticity by ammonium and rescue by green tea polyphenols

“…Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) 1 as a major complication of liver dysfunction is characterized by motor and cognitive deficits as well as changes in the level of alertness. In minimal HE, characteristics of liver cirrhosis, or even in liver cirrhosis without encephalopathy, extrapyramidal symptoms manifest themselves in psychomotor slowing, impairment of fine motor skills, tremor and gait impairment [4][5][6][7]. Psychological tests revealed also deficits in learning and memory capacities [8] which may persist after resolution of overt HE [9].…”

Critical flicker frequency: Diagnostic tool for minimal hepatic encephalopathy

“…Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in patients with liver cirrhosis is defined by the presence of otherwise unexplained cognitive abnormalities, only detectable on psychometric or neurophysiological testing, in the absence of overt hepatic encephalopathy [2,3]. Psychomotor slowing and deficits in attention, visual perception visuoconstructive abilities and impaired fine motor performance are key features [4][5][6]. As there is no gold standard for diagnosis of MHE, various studies have shown variable prevalence ranging from 25% to 55% [7][8][9][10].…”