For the first time, researchers believe they've found a connection between a common heart disorder and Alzheimer's disease.
Dr.Brian Crandall, a cardiologist at Intermountain Medical Center, says blood clots, which are common in atrial fibrillation, spin off to the brain killing brain cells. They may be small, and not that noticeable but, we want to keep as much brain tissue as we can because, over time, that can be one of the causes of dementia.
The study shows younger patients with the heart condition may have the highest risk for dementia. Those under age seventy were 130 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's. The findings are sobering.
Cardiologist Jared Bunch was among the team presenting the study to colleagues in Boston. He says "the study shows a connection between atrial fibrillation and all types of dementia. The Alzheimer's findings, particularly the risk of death for younger patients, break new ground."
The study begs for more research. If physicians could diagnose and begin early treatment for atrial fibrillation, might that prevent dementia or even the development of Alzheimer's?
More studies could try and sort out a more precise 'cause and effect' relationship between this heart condition and the development of Alzheimer's.
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