New Delhi, April 3
People with heart failure are likely to experience a significant decrease in cognitive abilities like attention and problem-solving, according to a study on Thursday.
Researchers from the University of Michigan, US examined the cognitive abilities of nearly 30,000 adults over time, comparing those who did and did not develop heart failure.
The researchers found heart failure is associated with a significant decrease in cognition at the time of diagnosis.
Global cognition and executive functioning also declined more rapidly over the years after heart failure diagnosis.
The team found that people with the condition mentally aged the equivalent of 10 years within just seven years of a heart failure diagnosis.
“Heart failure is a disease that never goes away and treating it relies heavily on a patient’s ability to follow specific instructions, monitor their symptoms, and keep up with many different medications,” said Supriya Shore, first author and clinical assistant professor of internal medicine-cardiology at University of Michigan Medical School.
“Seeing this cognitive decline among patients, and how it worsens over time after a diagnosis of heart failure, should be a warning for providers to assess a patient’s cognitive ability early and factor it into the care plan,” she added.