People who have celiac disease are also more prone to dementia and cognitive decline, according to a new study.

Celiac disease is a digestive condition caused by the gut having difficulty in dealing with gluten, a major component of some grains. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have now uncovered a link between celiac disease and cognitive functioning. It is already known that celiac disease may be associated with peripheral neuropathy - a nerve problem - and balance problems. But this is the first time a link with the brain has been seen.

In a group of 13 patients with celiac disease, the Mayo researchers found cognitive problems such as personality change, confusion, and memory problems. Mental status tests gave clear evidence of cognitive decline. The link might be explained through nutritional deficiency, inflammation or some kind of immune attack upon the brain. In three of the patients, strict adherence to a gluten-free diet did improve the cognitive problems. In five patients, brain biopsy or autopsy showed that Alzheimer's disease was not present. Physicians should therefore consider celiac disease as a factor in dementia, especially in younger people who also have digestive symptoms such as weight loss and diarrhea.

Source
Archives of Neurology October 2006