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Heart Medication Slows Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's
13 Aug
Summary
- Heart drug NOACs linked to slower cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
- Study involved over 7,000 patients with both atrial fibrillation and Alzheimer's.
- NOACs also associated with lower risks of death, stroke, and blood clots.
A recent Swedish study indicates that a commonly prescribed blood-thinning medication, known as NOACs, may offer benefits beyond treating atrial fibrillation by slowing cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. This research, published in the European Heart Journal, analyzed data from over 7,300 individuals diagnosed with both conditions.
Participants treated with NOACs demonstrated a slower rate of cognitive decline, measured by the MMSE test, compared to those on warfarin or no anticoagulant therapy. Beyond cognitive improvements, NOACs were also linked to a reduced risk of mortality, stroke, and blood clots, while warfarin presented a higher risk of major bleeding.
Researchers caution that the observational nature of the study means a direct causal link cannot be definitively proven. Factors influencing treatment choices and patient health outcomes could not be entirely accounted for. Despite these limitations, the findings are considered encouraging, suggesting potential advantages of newer anticoagulants for this patient group.
