About one out in nine adults in America say they're experiencing cognitive decline, which is a potential precursor of dementia. Mild cognitive decline affects 22% of people ages 65 and older, while almost 10% of seniors have full-blown dementia, according to a study published in JAMA Neurology.

But sometimes cognition problems are a symptom of another condition, and can be reversed or avoided altogether.

A new study in JAMA reveals that up to 10% of so-called dementia cases may really be a side effect of liver disease, a condition that often goes undiagnosed.

Around 100 million Americans have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). That can trigger neurological disruptions as the liver loses its ability to filter brain-damaging toxins from the body.

NAFLD is caused by obesity, Type 2 diabetes, elevated LDL cholesterol, and insulin resistance. Upgrading your nutritional choices (go plant-based with no ultra-processed foods, added sugars, syrups, or simple carbs) and increasing your physical activity level can slow or reverse early-stage NAFLD — and protect your brain.

The researchers in the JAMA study concluded that any patient with dementia should be screened for cirrhosis to uncover "reversible factors associated with cognitive impairment, such as HE."

If you're noticing cognition problems, talk with your doctor about being screened for NAFLD and other liver disorders, so you can protect your brain from collateral damage.