Heart Medication Could Reduce Dementia Risk

Scientists found medication used to treat atrial fibrillation in stroke survivors could prevent the development of dementia.

Research published in the Neurology has found medication used to treat atrial fibrillation in stroke survivors could prevent the development of dementia.

Experts at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK, found that those who suffered atrial fibrillation after a stroke were 2.4 times more likely to develop dementia, with doctors requesting more vigorous treatment to control atrial fibrillation, according to the BBC.

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disturbance that affects up to 500,000 people in the UK. It can be treated with blood-thinning drugs and medication, used to slow the irregular heartbeat and decrease the risk of a stroke.