A new study is suggesting that AF patients with dementia experience cognitive declines faster and that this occurs whether the patients have had a stroke. The results of the study were published online June 5 in Neurology.

The study was conducted over 7 years of follow-up of the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE) scores, which showed that AF patients suffering from dementia showed a faster decline than the patients without AF. While researchers don’t know yet just how AF is linked to the faster decline, the authors are guessing that it could be because of subclinical embolic infarction or cerebral hypoperfusion.

“Further research is needed to learn how the adverse cognitive consequences of atrial fibrillation may be prevented,” the researchers, with first author Evan L. Thacker, PhD, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, conclude.

This new study is helping scientists to continue proving the links between cognitive issues and AF. Previous studies like the ONTARGET (Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial) and TRANSCEND (Telmisartan Randomized Assessment Study in ACE-Intolerant Subjects with Cardiovascular Disease) studies already found links between AF and cognitive decline. This new one only seems to confirm the results.

AF is a common heart condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is characterized with patients experiencing irregular heartbeats and flutters. AF is treated with anticoagulant medications like Multaq. Multaq is made by Sanofi-Aventis and has been linked to serious side effects including a worsening of the heart condition, liver failure and lung toxicity. It is for this reason that the FDA has recommended that doctors only prescribe Multaq if all other medications fail to work.

If you or a loved one has suffered from liver failure or a worsening heart condition after being treated with Multaq, contact the attorneys at Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Multaq lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your injuries.