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Updated: May 29, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and cognitive impairment in the elderly: a case-control study
A Bellomo1, G De Benedetto, C Fossati
1Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Umberto I, Policlinico di Roma, Viale del Policlinico 155, I-00161 Roma, Italy.
Abstract:
AF is able not only to increase the risk of cognitive decline due to acute cerebrovascular events, but also to reduce cardiac output, with the consequence of impaired cerebral perfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between AF, dementia and depression in patients with negative anamnesis for past strokes. Our sample included 26 patients with a diagnosis of AF (paroxystic, persistent, permanent) and 31 patients with sinus rhythm, enrolled as controls. All selected patients underwent a Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment in order to investigate cognitive and behavioral functions. Statistical analysis of results showed a greater frequency of latent cognitive impairment in patients with AF, even in the absence of memory disorders. As a matter of facts, AF patients showed Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores significantly lower than those with sinus rhythm (p<0.05) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores higher than those without AF, evidencing a greater risk of depression too (p<0.02). Results showed a statistically significant association between AF, depression and cognitive impairment in early stage. In conclusion, AF is not only associated with the risk of developing cognitive impairment, but it can also be considered as a risk factor for dementia and depression, even in the absence of medical history of past stroke.
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