Cause 9. Atrial Fibrillation – A Silent Perpetrator of Vascular Dementia
Atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heart rate, is a less widely recognized contributor to vascular dementia. It can result in poor blood flow, increasing the risk of blood clots that could potentially lead to a stroke.
The correlation between atrial fibrillation and vascular dementia stems from the heart’s compromised ability to pump blood effectively in those with this condition. This ineffective blood flow can result in the formation of blood clots within the heart.
If these clots travel to the brain, they can block the blood supply, leading to a stroke. The occurrence of a stroke substantially heightens the risk of vascular dementia due to the potential for extensive brain damage.
Moreover, even in the absence of stroke, atrial fibrillation can contribute to a form of vascular dementia known as ‘vascular cognitive impairment no-dementia’ (VCIND). This occurs when the brain experiences minor but recurrent episodes of reduced blood supply, resulting in subtle brain damage over time. While these episodes may not be as immediately noticeable as a stroke, their cumulative impact can lead to cognitive impairment akin to dementia. (9)
