Dementia Risks Increase With Warfarin Blood Thinner Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF) might have increased dementia risks. A study has shown that the constant and incorrect use of warfarin blood thinners, which is prescribed among AF patients, can have alarming results.

Warfarin blood thinners is a prescription medication and it is necessary for patients with atrial fibrillation. It is for preventing blood clots and internal bleeding in people with heart condition. However, researchers from the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Salt Lake City have uncovered findings linking warfarin use to dementia risks.

.@vejnp presents new research on #AFib, warfarin and increased dementia risk. More: https://t.co/mzBOB5pIGZ #HRS2016 pic.twitter.com/FVC5P4Xq4B

— IntermountainMedCtr (@IntermtnMedCtr) May 5, 2016

Warfarin Blood Thinners And Dementia Links

Science Daily reports that the study involved 10,000 heart patients, with both AF and non-AF conditions, such as thromboembolism and valvular heart disease. The patients have no record or history of dementia and their ages, lifestyle and other health conditions were taken into account.

The patients were given warfarin blood thinners on a long-term basis. After a follow-up that was done seven years later, the researchers saw that those under the atrial fibrillation group had presented more indications of some type of dementia compared to the other group.  The level of warfarin therapy also presented some risks. Patients using warfarin 75 percent of the time for therapy are two to four times likely to develop dementia later on.

However, researchers also note that both groups still presented dementia risks, especially among those above 70. "If people's levels of warfarin were erratic, their dementia risk was higher, whether they had AF or not," said Dr. Jared Bunch, the study's lead, per CBS News.

New Study Shows AF Patients Treated With Warfarin Long-Term Are At Increased Risk For Dementia #HRS2016 https://t.co/1BANJ1DX75

— Heart Rhythm Society (@HRSonline) May 6, 2016

Effects Of Warfarin Blood Thinners

Experts note that warfarin affects blood flow to the brain, which could be why dementia risks increase among its users. They also acknowledged that taking warfarin, which is found in aspirin or anticoagulants, could be tricky in as far as determining the "therapeutic range." It should be enough to prevent blood clots and internal bleeding, but not too much to bring more risks.

"People taking blood thinning medications like warfarin should be carefully monitored to check their dosage is working correctly," said the experts, per Alzheimer's Org. "This study suggests that people who are not taking the correct dose may be at an increased risk of dementia, regardless of whether they have atrial fibrillation."

Atrial fibrillation and poor management of warfarin may increase risk of dementia. https://t.co/wZPEHZJN3j

— Alzheimer's Society (@alzheimerssoc) May 5, 2016