NOACs Slow Alzheimer’s Decline by 0.2 MMSE Points a Year in 7,308 AF Patients
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · Aug 13
NOACs Slow Alzheimer’s Decline by 0.2 MMSE Points a Year in 7,308 AF Patients
2 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Aug 13
Summary
A Swedish study of 7,308 people with both Alzheimer’s disease and atrial fibrillation found newer blood thinners, or NOACs, were linked to cognitive decline that was just over 0.2 MMSE points per year slower than with warfarin or no anticoagulant.
Karolinska Institutet researchers used Sweden’s SveDem registry to compare matched groups on NOACs, warfarin, or no treatment, tracking cognition over time with the Mini-Mental State Examination.
NOAC users also had lower risks of death, stroke, blood clots and fractures than untreated patients, while warfarin reduced death, stroke and clots but carried a higher major-bleeding risk than NOACs.
The authors said the findings show association, not proof of causation, because the study was observational and some patients may have differed at baseline or switched drugs during follow-up.
The results add to evidence that anticoagulation may affect dementia outcomes, but researchers and clinicians said patients should not start, stop or switch medication based on this paper alone.