GregJonesLaw_10Q03_2013-03-14_Thu_AF, Dementia Links Backed by Recent Study

AF, Dementia Links Backed by Recent Study

A new study has found more evidence that there is a link between atrial fibrillation (AF) and cognitive impairment and dementia. The study is published in the March 5 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

There have been previous studies conducted that suggested the link between dementia and AF; however, those studies left scientists with the belief that the link was based on the fact that the patients had also suffered from a stroke. This new study is associating dementia and AF without a stroke being part of the equation.

The lead author of the study is Shadi Kalantarian, MD, MPH, research fellow, Massachusetts General Hospital Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Boston.

“We wanted to know if this association was independent of that stroke history, and we observed that it was,” he told Medscape Medical News.

So far, this study is the first one to show separate information for dementia and cognitive impairment, which makes it the most comprehensive proof so far of the possible links of AF to dementia. This study also shows that “critical gaps” exist in scientists being able to understand the mechanism that underlies the link, said Kalantarian.

Atrial fibrillation is a condition that is characterized by patients experiencing irregular heartbeats and fluttering heartbeats. It affects millions of people worldwide and is treated with various medications like Multaq. AF increases a patient’s likelihood of experiencing a stroke dramatically, so the medications given to AF patients are also meant to help reduce the events of strokes. However the drugs like Multaq have been found to be too dangerous for use because of the side effects linked to it. Some of the serious side effects linked to Multaq include a worsening of the heart condition, liver failure, lung disease and pulmonary toxicity.

If you or a loved one has suffered from liver failure, a worsening of the heart condition, lung disease or pulmonary toxicity after taking Multaq, contact attorney Greg Jones for a free consultation today. I am experienced at fighting Multaq lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your injuries.