Changes in mental status
Patients undergoing liver issues tend to develop an altered mental state (AMS). And this is a prior, because: they represent a clinical challenge. Since the liver cannot eliminate the excess of some metal in the bloodstream, like ammonia and manganese, their presence affects the chemistry within the brain and its processes. Note that ammonia and manganese have been reported to cause some types of Alzheimer.
So, depending upon the duration and severity of liver dysfunction, in the same proportion, the changes in the mental status of patient’s show up and worsen. From the beginning of liver failures, symptoms can start with altered sleep patterns and ending in personality changes, other more physical symptoms involve shortened attention span, but it can progress through stupor to coma as the severity of liver disease progresses.
Most liver failures are caused by the way we treat our body, in terms of eating, drinking (alcohol), and the frequency of physical activities. The liver filters everything that goes inside our body, so it is necessary to be well aware of it. Even some medicines, like cholesterol drugs, have been reported to cause liver problems as a side effect. Another medication to control is the painkiller acetaminophen, which is found in lots of drugs can hurt our liver when too much of it is taken.
You might not have thought about this yet, but even washing your hands can make the difference between a healthy liver and a damaged one. The checklist we just mentioned before, is a good one for alerting us if there is a problem with this vital organ. Just make sure of getting proper medical attention if you suspect to have a problem with it.