Chronic Constipation May Cause Intellectual Decline
Research by investigators at the University of Sydney, Australia, into constipated patients shows that chronic constipation may cause intellectual decline. The researchers believe that intestinal bacteria break down undigested protein into toxic substances such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, histamine, and indole; these toxins are normally expelled from the body in the stool. But patients with chronic constipation cannot clear them in time, and the toxins are absorbed to varying degrees. When they exceed the liver's capacity for detoxification, they enter the brain through the bloodstream, gradually damaging brain cells and the nerve centers and causing intellectual decline.
On the other hand, patients with pre-existing nervous system disorders are also prone to chronic constipation. Patients with depression or anxiety disorders, for example, are very likely to be chronically constipated; some depressed patients may not have a bowel movement for a week or two. If these patients' psychiatric symptoms are not relieved and they remain ill for a long time, their brain is damaged, and their intellectual decline is related to the mental illness. The relationship between chronic constipation and intellectual decline is therefore rather complex, but there is indeed a connection between the two.
Chronic constipation is common in older people. The overall prevalence of constipation is around 20%, while among the elderly it reaches about 40%. Caring for the elderly therefore requires special attention to this problem.
Chronic constipation in older people is related to several factors. First, the elderly are less active, intestinal peristalsis decreases, and bowel movements become difficult. Second, older people have fewer beneficial gut bacteria, which also makes defecation difficult. Constipation and depression often occur together in the elderly; chronic constipation itself causes suffering and makes people emotionally depressed.
People with chronic constipation should not rely on laxatives to solve the problem. Although Chinese herbs like Dahuang (rhubarb) and Fanxieye (senna leaf), and the Western medicine lactulose, can moisten the intestines and free the stool, long-term use causes more severe habitual constipation. Improving constipation requires a multi-pronged approach: eat more high-fiber foods, take probiotics, exercise moderately, and ease emotional tension—all of which help. Those with depression should also receive antidepressant treatment, which can relieve constipation.