American researchers recently observed that atrial fibrillation, a heart disorder, could increase the risk of dementia in adults under the age of 65.
- Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder.
- About 1% of the general population is affected by atrial fibrillation.
- Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of dementia, according to a new American study.
Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder. It is characterized by an anarchic and rapid electrical activity of the muscle of the atria which causes an inefficient contraction of these atria accompanied by the irregular and rapid contraction of the ventricles. Nearly 1% of the general population is affected by this disease, according to Ameli, the Health Insurance platform.
According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association March 8, 2023, younger people with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of developing dementia compared to older people.
Dementia: atrial fibrillation would increase the risks in people under 65
To reach this conclusion, the American researchers followed 200,000 adults living in California (United States) for three and a half years. During this research, half of the participants were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
The scientists measured the incidence of dementia among the volunteers. After adjusting for gender and ethnicity, they found that atrial fibrillation is associated with a 13% higher risk of dementia.
Participants under the age of 65 with atrial fibrillation notably had a 65% higher risk of dementia than older adults. According to the researchers, this heart disorder could be an important risk factor for dementia in healthy young people.
Atrial fibrillation and dementia: still unknown mechanisms
Currently, scientists do not know the reason that could explain why atrial fibrillation can contribute to the onset of dementia, but they have one main theory. According to them, this heart disorder could have an impact on blood flow to the brain, which can damage white matter in the brain and decrease cognitive abilities.
“There are also other theories that indicate that patients with atrial fibrillation have a higher rate of blood clots and strokes, so they could develop dementia because of this or if atrial fibrillation decreases function pumping of the heart, even slightly, which over the years accelerates brain perfusion and can lead to dementia”said Dr. Shephal Doshi, cardiac electrophysiologist and director of cardiac electrophysiology and stimulation at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica (USA) to the magazine Healthline.
Further studies are therefore needed to identify the mechanisms responsible for dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation.