Will Sodium Levels Affect Cognition?

Sodium is one of the electrolytes in the body. It helps to regulate the amount of water in and around body cells. A sodium level that's too high is called hypernatremia, and a sodium level that's too low is called hyponatremia. If the concentration of sodium in the body is not kept within a narrow range, a number of body functions can be affected, including your cognitive ability.

Cognition

Cognition is simply another word for the process of thinking. It is the mental faculty of knowing, and it includes perceiving, recognizing, conceiving, judging, reasoning and imagining. Disruptions in cognition can cause problems with any of these mental processes.

Sodium

Sodium is a mineral and electrolyte. Electrolytes are molecules in the body that can conduct an electric current and that help to balance the acid-base levels. Electrolytes also help fluid pass between and within cells and help to regulate the functions of nerves, muscles, endocrine glands, kidneys and intestines. According to MayoClinic.com, a normal sodium blood level is 135 to 145 mEq/L. A sodium level below 135 is considered hyponatremia.

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia occurs when the body has either too much water, too little sodium or both. It can be caused by some medications -- especially thiazide diuretics or "water pills" -- diseases of the liver or kidneys, an excessively high water intake, hormonal problems, the recreational drug Ecstasy, and chronic, severe vomiting or diarrhea. Some of the symptoms of hyponatremia are headache, loss of energy, restlessness, irritability, muscle weakness, seizures or coma. MayoClinic.com says that mental confusion is also a symptom of hyponatremia.

Hypernatremia

In hypernatremia, the body has too much sodium, which makes the body excrete fluid and become dehydrated. Hypernatremia can be caused by inadequate water intake, excessive fluid loss caused by prolonged nausea and vomiting, severe burns, or some diseases. Some drugs can also cause elevated sodium levels. Fatigue and lethargy, an irregular heartbeat, and dark, concentrated urine are all possible symptoms of high sodium. A study reported in the August 2009 "The Clinical Neuropsychologist" found that older patients with hypernatremia had cognitive deficits.

Considerations and Warnings

The brain and body function best when your sodium level remains optimal. If you think you have symptoms of high or low sodium, or if you or someone close to you notices that you seem to be having trouble with thinking or memory, consult a health care professional.