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Exploring the Link between Anticoagulation, Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review
Background
The review aims to understand how anticoagulants affect cognitive function and dementia in atrial fibrillation patients.
Methods
- SCOPUS and PubMed were searched for English articles on OACs and cognitive impairment/dementia in AF patients.
- Non-original research and studies without relevant data were excluded.
Results
- Out of 22 studies (606,404 patients), 13 reported reduced cognitive impairment/dementia with thromboprophylaxis.
- Using DOACs was linked to lower cognitive impairment in 10 studies (284,636 patients).
- Dual therapy was associated with higher cognitive impairment compared to monotherapy in one study (6794 patients vs. 9994 patients).
- Three studies (61,991 patients) showed lower dementia diagnosis in AF patients on DOACs compared to VKAs.
- Dementia incidence was lower with well-controlled VKAs.
Conclusions
Oral anticoagulants may help prevent cognitive impairment and dementia in AF patients. More randomized controlled trials are needed for a comprehensive understanding.
PMID: 38673694 | DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082418
Authors: Abhimanyu Agarwal
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