A new study shows a significant connection between heart failure and cognitive decline, affecting memory, attention, and planning abilities.
New research published in *Circulation: Heart Failure* has found that cognitive decline is a common side effect of heart failure. The study reveals that individuals diagnosed with heart failure are more likely to experience problems with memory, attention, and planning, which can complicate their daily lives.
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to the body. It affects nearly 7 million people in the U.S. High blood pressure and coronary artery disease are common causes of heart failure, although it does not mean the heart suddenly stops beating. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight gain.
Supriya Shore, a cardiology professor at the University of Michigan, led the study after noticing caregivers of heart failure patients frequently reported cognitive decline. Upon reviewing existing research, she found little data linking cognitive decline to heart failure, prompting her to investigate further.
Shore and her team studied data from nearly 30,000 participants in six U.S. studies. Among them, 1,407 were diagnosed with heart failure, and researchers tracked their cognitive function over time. They found that heart failure was linked to a decline in several cognitive areas, including:
- Global cognition, covering a range of mental processes like thinking and learning.
- Executive function, or skills like planning and problem-solving.
- Memory.
Interestingly, while memory loss wasn’t long-lasting, both global cognition and executive function showed a steady decline as time passed.
Heart failure may impact cognition due to several factors. The heart’s inability to pump enough blood to the brain can reduce cognitive abilities. Additionally, conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and inflammation, often seen in heart failure patients, may also contribute to cognitive decline.
As the disease progresses, patients may become frail, reducing their activity levels, which further weakens cognitive function, according to Shore. This creates a vicious cycle where cognitive abilities deteriorate as the heart condition worsens.
Cognitive decline can make managing heart failure more challenging. Patients must monitor their weight, take multiple medications, and engage in constant self-care. These tasks require mental sharpness and planning.
Shore hopes this study will help both patients and caregivers recognize cognitive changes earlier, enabling them to take action sooner. “Heart failure affects both the patient and the caregiver, and understanding the mental impact can help both prepare,” she explained.
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