Drug Taken for Common Condition May Be Slowing Alzheimer’s Decline
Summary
Researchers in Sweden found that a blood-thinning drug called NOAC, used for irregular heartbeat, may slow memory and thinking decline in people with both atrial fibrillation and Alzheimer's disease. The study showed that patients on NOACs had slower cognitive decline and fewer risks like stroke or death compared to those on warfarin or no treatment.Key Facts
- The study was done by Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and published in the European Heart Journal.
- It included 7,308 patients diagnosed with both atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and Alzheimer's disease.
- Patients were divided into three groups: those taking NOACs (newer blood thinners), warfarin (older blood thinner), or no blood thinners.
- Those on NOACs experienced a slower decline in cognitive ability, measured by a memory and thinking test called MMSE.
- NOAC patients also had lower rates of death, stroke, blood clots, and fractures than patients without blood thinners.
- Warfarin lowered some risks but caused more major bleeding compared to NOACs.
- The study was observational, so it cannot prove NOACs directly cause slower decline, and other factors may have influenced results.
- Researchers recommend more studies to confirm these findings.
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