Atrial fibrillation, also known as atrial fib, AF, or auricular fibrillation, is a heart arrhythmia with a variety of symptoms that may range from mild to life-threatening. Seniors are particularly affected by AF as this arrhythmia tends to be more common in elders and is the most common heart disturbance found in developed countries, according to the NIH article entitled "Atrial fibrillation in the elderly: facts and management."
Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is commonly associated with risks such as blood clots and stroke, a study has found that higher than normal rates of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, may also be present in seniors with AF.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
According to the above NIH article, many seniors are at risk for atrial fibrillation, including, but not limited to, those who have:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Low oxygen levels (hypoxia)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
Because the atria are “quivering,” blood tends to pool in the upper portions of the heart, which can lead to blood clots that may sit in the upper heart chambers or may be pumped to other body areas such as the lungs, legs, or brain.
The upper heart chambers do not work effectively as a pump if the heart is in atrial fibrillation. The lower chambers, called the ventricles, cannot fill properly and begin to beat in an irregular pattern that may be fast or slow. This rhythm might first become noticed when someone checking a pulse feels an irregular pattern of skipped beats or extra beats with a fast or slow rhythm. The person may also experience a variety of symptoms associated with the heart arrhythmia.
Can an Abnormal Pulse Cause Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?
According to the Rotterdam study mentioned by the American Heart Association in an article entitled “Atrial Fibrillation and Dementia in a Population-based Study” by Alewijin Ott, MD et al, rates of dementia and memory loss were significantly higher in seniors with atrial fibrillation. These higher rates of dementia found in the study were were not due to stroke. Dementia rates were particularly higher in women in this study that looked at seniors aged 55 to 106. The higher dementia rates associated with AF tended to be in those in the younger age groups.
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is a common health concern of older adults that causes confusion and ultimately the loss of ability to provide self-care. Alzheimer's can also lead to a variety of dangerous situations within the home and outside if the person begins to wander.
Many researchers have studied this condition that often robs seniors of memories and many other facets of life, but a specific cause and definitive cure still elude researchers. Many studies are looking at possible causes and more effective treatments, such as the possibility of using curcumin.
Alzheimer's and Atrial Fibrillation
Seniors who have an irregular pulse and/or memory loss may benefit from an assessment by a healthcare professional because treatment options may be available, both for the irregular heart rate and the confusion. Both atrial fibrillation and dementia have the potential to affect a person's quality of life significantly. Perhaps future studies may look to see if early detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation might help to prevent or slow the development of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Sources:
- American Heart Association and American Stroke Association article “Atrial Fibrillation and Dementia in a Population-Based Study” by Alewijin Ott, MD et al.
- National Institutes of Health article “Atrial fibrillation in the elderly: facts and management” by Chatap G. et al.