Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of cognitive problems by 45%, according to new research. The large-scale study confirmed a link between heart health and dementia, which earlier studies had established.
The context: AF is widespread and causes an irregular heartbeat. It becomes more common with age, affecting at least 2.7 million Americans. Women get AF more as they tend to live longer.
Why it matters
Catching and treating AF early may help safeguard brain health.
The way to win
Keeping the whole body healthy supports the brain because all your body’s systems are profoundly interconnected.
- Don't ignore signs of AF like fluttering heartbeats or fatigue.
- Patients with AF treated with digoxin did not experience an increased mild-cognitive impairment risk.
- Be smart: Untreated hearing loss, diabetes, and high blood pressure also increase dementia risk.
Zoom in
- The large UK study analyzed the medical records of 4.3 million adults.
- Researchers identified 233,833 people with AF and 233,747 without it.
- People recently diagnosed with AF but not treated had 45% higher odds of developing mild-cognitive impairment.
- Although previous research linked AF with higher dementia risk, the new study found the increased risk remained after accounting for age, sex, poverty, depression, and stroke.
Notable: AF and mild-cognitive impairment were frequently diagnosed in individuals over 74 with multiple health conditions, including diabetes, depression, high cholesterol, and peripheral artery disease.
What's Next: Researchers want to conduct clinical trials on whether optimal AF management could prevent cognitive decline. Medications may already reduce the risk.
You can reduce your risk of cognitive decline
Call to schedule a free, 15-minute hearing screening with an audiologist. Don't guess about hearing loss. Find out.
If you have hearing loss, your audiologist will explain—
- How much hearing you've lost
- Whether your hearing needs treatment
- The hearing-aid options available to treat your hearing loss
Don't let untreated hearing loss threaten your health and happiness.
