Research progress on mechanisms and treatments of cognitive dysfunction in atrial fibrillation / 中华神经科杂志

ABSTRACT

Increasing evidence suggests that atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia beyond its association with stroke and mortality. The association is independent of stroke. However, the association between atrial fibrillation and cognitive function has often been overlooked in the management and treatment in clinical practice. There is a lack of consensus on the relationship and its mechanisms between atrial fibrillation and brain dysfunction. Whether treatments targeted atrial fibrillation are effective for brain function remains unknown. Through reviewing relevant literatures, this article analyzed the association between atrial fibrillation and its underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, this article further discussed the effectiveness of atrial fibrillation treatments to cognitive function and brain health.