Treating irregular heartbeats and clogged arteries could slow dementia

PEOPLE with an irregular heartbeat or narrowed arteries supplying the brain are at a greater risk of dementia, scientists have warned.

But spotting the diseases early could help slow the onset of dementia because both are treatable.

The new study found the effects of having atrial fibrillation and carotid artery disease combines and the resulting restriction on blood flow to the brain increases dementia risk.

Clinical researcher Dr Victoria Jacobs at the Intermountain Medical Centre Heart Institute in Salt Lake City said: "Our team of researchers has been studying links between atrial fibrillation and dementia.

"This new data stresses the continued need for physicians to monitor and screen patients for both carotid artery disease and atrial fibrillation, especially patients who have risk factors of either disease."

Carotid artery disease is a major cause of stroke, accounting for about a fifth of all cases in the UK.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disturbance, affecting around one million Britons. Generally it strikes the over 65s.

The abnormal heart rhythm causes blood to pool and clot in the heart and when these break free, they can cause a stroke.

Previous research had found the abnormal heart rhythms of atrial fibrillation produce inconsistent blood flow to the brain, which contributes to the onset of dementia or a decrease in cognitive function.

Risk factors are similar for atrial fibrillation and carotid artery disease. These include age, weight, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Smoking can also increase risk.

The study examined 6,786 patients with carotid artery disease with no history of dementia and compared those in the group diagnosed with atrial fibrillation to those with no diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.

The average age of the patients was 71.6 years old and 55.6 per cent of them were male.

Twenty one per cent had atrial fibrillation.

The findings were presented at the Heart Rhythm Society's 39th annual Scientific Sessions in Boston.

• GOT a story? RING on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk