Heart Failure Linked to Reduced Attention and Problem-Solving Skills Early On: Research
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Synopsis
A recent study indicates that individuals with heart failure may suffer significant cognitive decline, affecting attention and problem-solving abilities. Research from the University of Michigan reveals that cognitive deterioration accelerates after diagnosis, necessitating early cognitive assessments for effective patient care.
Key Takeaways
- Heart failure significantly impacts cognitive abilities.
- Cognitive decline can manifest as early as the diagnosis.
- Global cognitive and executive functions deteriorate rapidly after diagnosis.
- Regular cognitive monitoring is crucial for older adults with heart failure.
- Heart failure patients may show a mental aging effect.
New Delhi, April 3 (NationPress) Individuals experiencing heart failure may face a pronounced decline in their cognitive functions, such as attention and problem-solving skills, according to a recent study released on Thursday.
Researchers from the University of Michigan, USA, evaluated the cognitive performance of nearly 30,000 adults over time, contrasting those who developed heart failure with those who did not.
The findings revealed that heart failure is linked to a notable reduction in cognitive functioning at the point of diagnosis.
Moreover, global cognitive abilities and executive functioning deteriorated at a faster pace in the subsequent years following the heart failure diagnosis.
The research team discovered that individuals with this condition experienced a mental age increase equivalent to a decade within just seven years post-diagnosis.
“Heart failure is a chronic condition that persists indefinitely, and effective management heavily depends on a patient’s capability to adhere to specific treatment protocols, track their symptoms, and manage various medications,” stated Supriya Shore, the lead author and clinical assistant professor of internal medicine-cardiology at the University of Michigan Medical School.
“Observing this cognitive deterioration among patients, and its progression over time following a heart failure diagnosis, should alert healthcare providers to evaluate a patient’s cognitive capabilities early and incorporate this into their care strategy,” she continued.
Significantly, the study, published in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure, indicated that common risk factors for cognitive decline, such as high blood pressure and heart attacks, could not account for the rapid decline seen in participants with heart failure.
The most substantial drop in global cognitive function—a composite of various cognitive capabilities, including attention and problem-solving—was observed among older adults, women, and white participants.
Adults suffering from heart failure reached the threshold for significant cognitive decline nearly six years sooner than those without the condition, while executive functioning would decline approximately four-and-a-half years earlier.
Worldwide, around 64 million individuals are affected by heart failure. Although monitoring these patients can be challenging, it may help prevent cognitive decline in adults, according to the research team.
“Routine cognitive assessments for older adults with heart failure could assist in identifying those showing early signs of cognitive decline who may need additional support,” remarked Deborah A. Levine, Professor of internal medicine and neurology at the university.
