Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

34.6K

Cognitive profiles and dementia severity in older patients with atrial fibrillation, with and without ischemic

Mirna Selimbašić Saletović1, Zikrija Dostović1, Adnan Dostović2

  • 1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Science Progress
|April 24, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Vascular burden significantly impacts cognitive function in older adults with atrial fibrillation (AF), especially when combined with ischemic stroke (IS). Assessing vascular disease aids in early detection of cognitive decline.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic stroke (IS) are prevalent in aging populations.
  • Cognitive impairment is a significant concern in patients with cardiovascular diseases.
  • The interplay between AF, IS, and cognitive decline requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare cognitive profiles and dementia severity in older patients with AF, with and without IS.
  • To evaluate the contribution of vascular burden to global cognitive status in these patient groups.
  • To identify predictors of cognitive impairment in patients with AF and/or IS.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional clinical study of 124 patients aged ≥55 years.
  • Patients stratified into three groups: AF without IS, AF with IS, and IS without AF.
  • Cognitive status assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Information-Memory-Concentration (IMC) test. Vascular burden evaluated using Hachinski Ischemic Score (HIS).

Main Results:

  • Patients with combined AF and IS showed a trend toward poorer cognitive profiles and higher vascular burden.
  • Higher Hachinski Ischemic Score independently predicted worse global cognitive status (OR 1.79, p < 0.001).
  • Significant difference in female participant proportion across groups (p = 0.022).

Conclusions:

  • Vascular burden is a critical factor in cognitive impairment among older patients with AF, particularly with co-occurring IS.
  • Routine assessment of vascular burden may improve early recognition of cognitive impairment in aging populations.
  • This highlights the importance of managing vascular risk factors in patients with AF to preserve cognitive health.

Keywords:
Hachinski ischemic Scoreatrial fibrillationcognitive impairmentdementia severityischemic strokevascular burdenvascular cognitive impairment

More Related Videos

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

2.6K
Dual-Task Stroop Paradigm for Detecting Cognitive Deficits in High-Functioning Stroke Patients07:42

Dual-Task Stroop Paradigm for Detecting Cognitive Deficits in High-Functioning Stroke Patients

Published on: December 16, 2022

3.1K

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Dementia01:30

Dementia

Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...