The neurocognitive effects of atrial fibrillation: benefits of the ABC pathway

Peter Calvert; Dhiraj Gupta; Gregory Y H Lip

doi:10.1093/ehjcvp/pvad021

The neurocognitive effects of atrial fibrillation: benefits of the ABC pathway

Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Pharmacother. 2023 Jul 29;9(5):413-420. doi: 10.1093/ehjcvp/pvad021.

Authors

Peter Calvert¹, Dhiraj Gupta¹, Gregory Y H Lip¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool, L14 3PE, UK.

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has a recognized association with not only stroke, but also neurocognitive impairment and both vascular and Alzheimer's dementia. Effective management of AF can reduce the risk of such complications. In this narrative review article, we discuss the pathophysiological links between AF and dementia, as well as the benefits of adherence to the guideline-recommended 'ABC' pathway.

Keywords: ABC pathway; Atrial fibrillation; Cognition; Dementia; Neurocognitive; Neurological.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Atrial Fibrillation* / complications
Atrial Fibrillation* / diagnosis
Atrial Fibrillation* / drug therapy
Dementia* / complications
Dementia* / psychology
Humans
Stroke* / diagnosis
Stroke* / etiology
Stroke* / prevention & control