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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Liver steatosis and cognitive performance in aging: A pilot cross-sectional study
Mohammad Khalafi1, Seyed Hani Hojjati1, Xiuyuan Hugh Wang1
1Department of Radiology, Brain Health Imaging Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
Clinical Imaging
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is linked to cognitive decline. This study found that liver steatosis and fibrosis correlate with lower cognitive scores in older adults, suggesting metabolic health impacts brain function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Hepatology and Metabolic Research
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly recognized for its systemic effects.
- Emerging evidence suggests a connection between liver health and cognitive function, including dementia risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between liver steatosis and fibrosis with early cognitive changes in cognitively unimpaired older adults.
- To explore potential underlying mechanisms, including body mass index (BMI) and cerebral β-amyloid deposition.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 26 cognitively unimpaired individuals.
- Noninvasive quantification of liver steatosis (Controlled Attenuation Parameter - CAP) and fibrosis using vibration-controlled transient elastography (FibroScan®).
- Amyloid PET imaging and comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, including the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS).
Main Results:
- Greater liver steatosis (higher CAP score and grade) was significantly associated with lower TICS scores.
- Higher liver stiffness (fibrosis) also showed a negative association with TICS scores.
- Body mass index (BMI) was linked to increased cerebral amyloid burden and higher degrees of liver steatosis.
Conclusions:
- Liver steatosis is associated with reduced cognitive performance in older adults.
- Shared metabolic pathways involving BMI may link liver steatosis and amyloid pathology.
- Targeting metabolic health presents a potential strategy for preserving cognition and mitigating Alzheimer's disease pathology.
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