Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is increasing worldwide. It has been associated with increased mortality, although it has seen increased longevity after diagnosis due to improved therapies and improved treatment of comorbidites. AF has also been associated with stroke.
Stroke and Dementia
One study revealed that “… In an analysis of 37,025 patients, we found that patients with AF had higher rates of multiple forms of dementia, including idiopathic or Alzheimer’s disease than patients who did not have AF.” The absence of stroke, interestingly, does not result in overt dementia. Patients, however, who had AF had significant declines in mental scores and mortality.
Men vs. women
Women over the age of 80 were most likely to develop dementia in addition to other diseases such as stroke with Parkinson’s Disease. This accounts for both strokes and AF.
Dementia and anticoagulation
“There was a risk of cognitive decline with both over- and under-anticoagulation, suggesting that not only are cerebral ischaemic events a significant risk factor for dementia, but micro- and macro-bleeds also are.” Anticoagulation therapies are critical to the treatment of stroke and subsequently long-term dementia.
Conclusion
Treatment of AF is significantly associated with both stroke and dementia. Medical advancements for AF will slow the progression of stroke and dementia, making brain issues less of an issue.
Jeff Reynolds
Reynolds Consulting LLC