By Julie Steenhuysen, Reuters
CHICAGO - Atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm problem, raises the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, especially in people under age 70, U.S. researchers said on Friday.
They said the heart condition boosts the risk of all forms of dementia by 44 per cent. And in people under age 70, it doubles the risk of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
"In patients under age 70, if they had atrial fibrillation, they were 130 per cent more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease," Dr. John Day of Intermountain Medical Center in Utah, who worked on the study, said in a telephone interview.
"It appears to be a much more aggressive form of Alzheimer's disease," Day said.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm problem, affecting about 2.2 million Americans. It occurs when the heart beats chaotically, leaving blood to pool and possibly clot. If the clot leaves the heart, it can cause a stroke.
"Previous studies have shown that patients with atrial fibrillation are at higher risk for some types of dementia, including vascular dementia," said Dr. Jared Bunch of Intermountain, who presented the results at the Heart Rhythm Society meeting in Boston.
"To our knowledge, this is the first......read the whole story
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My name is Kathy and I am 39. I am the full time caregiver to my Dad who has Alzheimer's and lives with me.
In addition to caring for Dad, I have a full time job, 3 dogs, my love of 12 years David and his 14 year old daughter. I get overwhelmed a lot but try to find the humor if I can.
I am writing a blog which shows the lighter side of caring for someone with dementia.
www.KnowItAlz.com
Please pass this link along to anyone you feel would enjoy it.
Thanks!
Kathy
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