Final answer:
Altered mental status can be caused by liver cancer, Wilson's disease, heavy metal poisoning, and conditions like haemochromatosis or chronic liver failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are various causes of altered mental status, and here are four examples:
- Cancer of the liver, such as primary hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma, can impair the liver's ability to detoxify the blood, leading to a buildup of toxins and affecting brain function.
- Wilson's disease is a hereditary condition that causes copper accumulation in the body, which can lead to neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
- Heavy Metal Poisoning, including lead poisoning, can cause significant harm to the brain and nervous system, resulting in altered mental status.
- Conditions like haemochromatosis and chronic liver failure due to cirrhosis, which may stem from a range of causes such as excessive alcohol intake, viral hepatitis, or metabolic disorders, can also lead to cognitive and psychological changes.