Combination of these diseases increases the risk of dementia massively

What increases the likelihood of dementia??

Many people in the world are suffering from dementia. Researchers have now discovered that various diseases can significantly increase the risk of developing dementia. For example, diagnosing a carotid artery disease in patients with atrial fibrillation greatly increases the likelihood of developing dementia.

Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center's Heart Institute in Salt Lake City found out in their recent research that people with atrial fibrillation and carotid artery disease have a significantly increased risk of dementia. The physicians released the results of their latest study at this year's Heart Rhythm Society's 39th Annual Scientific Sessions in Boston.

When people suffer from dementia, it significantly reduces their quality of life. But also relatives and friends suffer from the effects of the disease. (Image: highwaystarz / fotolia.com)

Disturbed blood circulation has strong consequences

Blockages in the carotid artery, which gradually build up with age, impede blood flow to the brain. A combination with atrial fibrillation and the resulting influence on the blood circulation significantly increase the likelihood that sufferers fall ill with dementia, explain the experts.

What are risk factors for atrial fibrillation?

Previous research has already shown that the abnormal heart rhythms of atrial fibrillation cause inconsistent blood flow to the brain, contributing to the onset of dementia or a decline in cognitive function, say the medical profession. The risk factors for atrial fibrillation and carotid artery disease are relatively similar and include age, weight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Smoking can also increase the risk, the researchers add.

Interactions between atrial fibrillation and dementia were investigated

The research team has investigated the relationships between atrial fibrillation and dementia. The new data found underline the ongoing need for physicians and patients to closely monitor and investigate both carotid artery disease and atrial fibrillation. This is especially true for patients who have an increased risk for one of the two diseases, says study author Dr. med. Victoria Jacobs of the Intermountain Medical Center's Heart Institute in a press release.

People over the age of 60 are particularly affected

More than 200,000 patients are diagnosed each year with carotid artery disease, which is caused by plaque in the artery leading from the brain to the heart, say the authors. However, the disease is usually asymptomatic until sufferers then suffer a stroke. The largest age group of affected people are people over the age of 60 years.

What happens in atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the world. It affects more than 2.7 million American adults alone, say the experts. The abnormal heart rhythm causes blood to collect in the heart and clump there. When these blood clots are released, they can cause a stroke.

6,786 subjects participated in the study

The researchers investigated a total of 6,786 patients with carotid artery disease without a history of dementia for their current study. They compared data from a group of subjects diagnosed with atrial fibrillation with data from a group that had not received such a diagnosis. The median age of the patients was 71.6 years and 55.6 percent of them were male. Twenty-one percent of them suffered from atrial fibrillation, the scientists add.

The diseases are treatable

How can study findings help patients reduce the incidence of dementia? Dr. Jacobs says early attention and diagnosis are the key. Atrial fibrillation and carotid artery disease are treatable and early treatment of these diseases can reduce the risk of dementia Jacobs. Doctors should discuss treatment options with vulnerable patients. Enlightenment could help those affected to lead the most healthy lives possible. Those affected should know about their risks and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, experts suggest. Both diseases should not simply be passively accepted, as both are treatable and treatment is particularly important as it can prevent or delay dementia, the researchers add.

Further research is needed

Researchers will now continue to analyze the data and compare it with different groups. This is to determine which patterns may exist in the identification of the individual risk for the development of dementia. (As)