Association between Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease and Cognitive Impairment

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a newly proposed term based on modified criteria. Although nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been well-documented as a multisystem disease, research on the correlation of MAFLD and extra-hepatic diseases is limited. This study aimed to clarify the association of MAFLD, as well as NAFLD status with cognitive function.

A total of 5,662 participants 20-59 years of age who underwent cognitive tests and liver ultrasonography in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in the analysis. Cognitive function was evaluated using three computer-administered tests, the serial digit learning test (SDLT), the simple reaction time test (SRTT) and the symbol digit substitution test (SDST).

Participants with MAFLD had significantly poorer performance on the SRTT [odds ratio (OR) 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-1.89)]. MAFLD with moderate-severe liver steatosis was associated with higher risks of scoring low in the SDLT (OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.04-1.82) and SRTT (OR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.19-2.02). NAFLD combined with metabolic dysfunction, instead of NAFLD without metabolic disorders, was associated an increased risk of a low SRTT score (OR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.10-1.82). MAFLD patients had a high probability of fibrosis, prediabetes, and diabetes and were also significantly associated with increased risks based on the SDST or SRTT score.

MAFLD was significantly associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment, especially among MAFLD patients with a high degree of liver fibrosis, moderate-severe steatosis, or hyperglycemia.