Atrial fibrillation is associated with a higher risk for cognitive impairment and dementia, with or without stroke. AF is the most common arrhythmia in the United States, affecting more than 2.7 million Americans in 2010.
Three known risk factors for AF – heart failure, diabetes, and hypertension – are also risk factors for cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment may affect long-term memory, but does not adversely affect daily living. However, dementia is associated with memory and other cognitive impairments that may have a substantial impact on patients, families, and the health care system.
For this reason, finding and addressing major risk factors is imperative. Researchers reviewed 21 published studies to assess the association between AF and cognitive impairment.
The studies revealed a strong association between AF and cognitive impairment or dementia independent of stroke. The authors suggest that these findings should inspire future research that carefully distinguishes types of dementia.
Investigators also should consider cognitive function as a new outcome to be assessed in studies about treatments for AF.