Researchers link hyponatremia, or a lack of sodium in the blood, in older men with an increased risk of thinking problems. This emerges from a study carried out in which the authorsEffects of salinity examined. Experts point out that these results can be quite concerning because some medications for seniors lower sodium levels.
How a lack of sodium in the blood affects brain function
According to the study authors, there was a clear connection between dementia and low sodium levels in the people studied. More than 5,400 healthy men aged 65 and over took part. The researchers monitored the subjects' health for an average of five years. According to the scientific team, 100 men developed hyponatremia, in which salt levels in the blood are quite low, below healthy levels. These people were 30% more likely to have intellectual disability at the start of the study. They were 37% more likely to experience cognitive decline over time compared to those with normal blood salt levels. However, the research team emphasized that these results are preliminary and do not necessarily confirm the causal relationship. Given that slightly lower blood sodium levels and subtle changes in cognitive function are common with age, future research on this topic is important.
There are various symptoms and signs of hyponatremia. A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 mmol/L. Hyponatremia only occurs when there is a lack of sodium in the blood and levels fall below 135 mmol/L. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, loss of energy, sleepiness and fatigue. You may also experience restless behavior and irritability, as well as weakness, muscle cramps or even epileptic seizures. However, the authors noted that it is difficult tothis studyto offer persecuted men a good real-world comparison group. The results failed to suggest whether other factors influence men's sodium levels and impact their cognition.
