Impact of atrial fibrillation on the rate of mild cognitive impairment in the elderly

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in patients with cardiovascular risks is a transitional state to vascular dementia but which still has a possibility of being managed. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on cognitive performances in the elderly in comparison with similar cardiovascular risks. One hundred unselected patients were included in AF + and AF- groups. Patients with prodromal Alzheimer disease as shown by semantic cueing test, and those suffering from major cognitive decline according to DSM 5 criteria were evaluated separately from those patients analysed for vascular cognitive impairment. MCI was distinguished with the help of the Montreal cognitive assessment and the mood status was studied with the geriatric depression scale. AF + patients predominantly had paroxysmal type of AF with a mean duration of 6.3 years, with 77% of the patients being on anticoagulation. AF- patients had arterial hypertension. Prevalence of MCI was significantly higher among AF- patients, possibly due to lower rates of BP control. These study results show less impact of AF itself on cognitive performances in comparison with uncontrolled hypertension.