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Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
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Atrial Fibrillation and Deterioration in Cognitive Function

Viswanatha Chinta, Sameh Askandar, Amit Nanda

    Current Problems in Cardiology
    |September 9, 2018
    PubMed

    Insights

    Atrial fibrillation is linked to cognitive decline and dementia. Treatments for atrial fibrillation, like anticoagulation and ablation, may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment, offering hope for prevention.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Neurology
    • Geriatrics

    Background:

    • Growing interest in the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and cognitive decline/dementia.
    • No definitive cure exists for cognitive decline and dementia, driving research into preventative strategies.
    • The precise causal mechanisms linking AF to cognitive impairment remain incompletely understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review epidemiologic studies on the association between atrial fibrillation and cognitive function.
    • To explore potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this link.
    • To evaluate the impact of atrial fibrillation therapies on cognitive outcomes.

    Main Methods:

    • Systematic review of epidemiologic research.
    • Analysis of proposed pathophysiological pathways.
    • Assessment of evidence regarding therapeutic interventions for atrial fibrillation.

    Main Results:

    • Epidemiologic data suggest a significant association between atrial fibrillation and increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
    • Several mechanisms, including cerebral microemboli, hypoperfusion, and inflammation, are implicated.
    • Therapies for atrial fibrillation, such as anticoagulation and catheter ablation, show promise in mitigating cognitive decline.

    Conclusions:

    • Atrial fibrillation is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia.
    • Understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted preventative strategies.
    • Current treatments for atrial fibrillation may offer a viable approach to preserving cognitive function.

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