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A study by a foreign geriatric research institution found that long-term constipation in the elderly is the main culprit behind the decline in their cognitive abilities, with about 80% of elderly individuals suffering from constipation being prone to developing dementia.
Researchers explained that under normal circumstances, bacteria in the human gut can break down undigested proteins into toxic substances such as ammonia, mercaptans, indole, hydrogen sulfide, and histamine. These toxic substances are then excreted from the body through feces. However, elderly patients with constipation cannot normally eliminate these toxins, leading to a gradual accumulation of harmful substances in the body. When the level of these toxins exceeds the liver's detoxification capacity, they enter the bloodstream and slowly reach the brain, damaging the central nervous system and becoming the primary cause of cognitive decline in the elderly. Due to reduced food intake, weaker digestive functions, and a noticeable decline in metabolic functions, long-term constipation in the elderly can easily lead to dementia.
Researchers noted that constipation in the elderly can generally be divided into two types: spastic constipation and atonic constipation. Spastic constipation is often caused by excessive consumption of spices and fiber in the diet. Elderly patients with this type of constipation should focus on eating low-residue semi-liquid foods, such as milk, rice porridge, egg soup, and soft rice, to effectively avoid or alleviate symptoms. Atonic constipation is usually caused by insufficient fat intake, a lack of vegetables and fruits, and inadequate water consumption. Elderly patients with this type of constipation should consume more high-residue foods to increase fiber intake and promote intestinal motility, such as whole grains, green vegetables, soy products, and foods rich in vitamin B1, to relieve constipation symptoms.
Researchers also reminded elderly individuals prone to constipation to develop the habit of drinking a glass of lightly salted water on an empty stomach in the morning and a glass of yogurt before bed at night, as this can help facilitate bowel movements.
Source: http:/ / big5. 91. cn:81/ gate/ bi……/ bm/ cs/ 2006- 11- 22/ 255811. htm
Chronic Constipation in Elderly May Lead to Dementia
Researchers explained that under normal circumstances, bacteria in the human gut can break down undigested proteins into toxic substances such as ammonia, mercaptans, indole, hydrogen sulfide, and histamine. These toxic substances are then excreted from the body through feces. However, elderly patients with constipation cannot normally eliminate these toxins, leading to a gradual accumulation of harmful substances in the body. When the level of these toxins exceeds the liver's detoxification capacity, they enter the bloodstream and slowly reach the brain, damaging the central nervous system and becoming the primary cause of cognitive decline in the elderly. Due to reduced food intake, weaker digestive functions, and a noticeable decline in metabolic functions, long-term constipation in the elderly can easily lead to dementia.
Researchers noted that constipation in the elderly can generally be divided into two types: spastic constipation and atonic constipation. Spastic constipation is often caused by excessive consumption of spices and fiber in the diet. Elderly patients with this type of constipation should focus on eating low-residue semi-liquid foods, such as milk, rice porridge, egg soup, and soft rice, to effectively avoid or alleviate symptoms. Atonic constipation is usually caused by insufficient fat intake, a lack of vegetables and fruits, and inadequate water consumption. Elderly patients with this type of constipation should consume more high-residue foods to increase fiber intake and promote intestinal motility, such as whole grains, green vegetables, soy products, and foods rich in vitamin B1, to relieve constipation symptoms.
Researchers also reminded elderly individuals prone to constipation to develop the habit of drinking a glass of lightly salted water on an empty stomach in the morning and a glass of yogurt before bed at night, as this can help facilitate bowel movements.
Source: http:/ / big5. 91. cn:81/ gate/ bi……/ bm/ cs/ 2006- 11- 22/ 255811. htm