Blood Thinners May Slow Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer Patients, Study Finds
A Swedish study published in the European Heart Journal found that Alzheimer's patients with atrial fibrillation who took newer blood thinners called NOACs experienced slower cognitive decline than those on warfarin or no treatment. Researchers tracked more than 7,300 patients over up to five years.
A nationwide Swedish study published in the European Heart Journal found that newer blood thinners may slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients who also have atrial fibrillation.
Researchers from the Karolinska Institutet analyzed data from more than 7,300 individuals diagnosed with both Alzheimer's disease and atrial fibrillation. They compared outcomes for patients taking non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants, known as NOACs, against those taking warfarin and those receiving no anticoagulant treatment.
Patients on NOACs showed a slower rate of cognitive decline, measured at about 0.2 points per year on the Mini-Mental State Examination, compared to the other two groups. Researchers tracked cognitive function over up to five years.
The team suggests the benefit may come from improved blood flow to the brain and the prevention of small-scale damage caused by silent strokes or micro-emboli linked to atrial fibrillation.
Beyond cognitive outcomes, NOAC users also had lower rates of stroke, death, and blood clots compared to patients receiving no treatment. They also had fewer major bleeding events than patients on warfarin, which requires routine blood monitoring and strict dietary limits.
Experts caution that this was an observational study, meaning it shows an association rather than direct cause and effect. Patients should not change their medications based on these findings alone. Researchers say randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm whether NOACs provide a direct neuroprotective benefit.
