Frontline: Atrial Fibrillation and Memory Decline; Acute Respiratory Infection; Mobile Stroke Units
Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis May Increase Risk of Memory Decline
A diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (A-fib) was associated with a 45 percent increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a study of more than 4 million people. MCI is an early stage of cognitive decline that can indicate development of early dementia-related disease. In addition to the increased risk of MCI after an A-fib diagnosis, the study found that older people, women, and people with a history of depression and stroke also had a higher MCI risk. Furthermore, for individuals over age 74, A-fib and MCI were frequently diagnosed when other conditions, including diabetes, depression, high cholesterol, and peripheral artery disease were present. Patients with A-fib who were treated with digoxin, a drug used to control heart rate and rhythm, did not experience an increased MCI risk, and the risk of MCI was higher in patients with A-fib who did not receive either oral anticoagulants or amiodarone, an arrhythmia treatment. The researchers suggest, based on their findings, that integrated A-fib care, such as combining anticoagulation and comorbidity management, could help prevent cognitive deterioration. Further studies are needed to confirm this.
Researchers Reframe Lasting Effects of Acute Respiratory Infection as “Long Colds”
A new study has found that people may experience long-term symptoms—or “long colds”—after acute respiratory infections. Some of the most common symptoms of the long cold included coughing, stomach pain, and diarrhea more than four weeks after the initial infection. The findings suggest that there may be long-lasting health impacts following non-COVID acute respiratory infections such as colds, flu, or pneumonia. The research compared the prevalence and severity of long-term symptoms after an episode of COVID-19 versus an episode of another acute respiratory infection that tested negative for COVID-19. Those recovering from COVID-19 were more likely to experience lightheadedness or dizziness and problems with taste and smell compared with those who had a non-COVID-19 respiratory infection. While the severity of an illness appears to be a key driver of risk of long-term symptoms, more research is being carried out to establish why some people suffer extended symptoms while others do not.
Mobile Stroke Units Increase Odds of Patient Recovery
Receiving a clot-busting drug in an ambulance-based mobile stroke unit (MSU) increases the likelihood of averting a full-blown stroke and achieving complete recovery compared with standard hospital emergency care, according to a study performed by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and five other medical centers across the U.S. The study determined that MSU care was associated with increased odds of averting stroke compared with hospital emergency medical service (EMS), and a higher percentage of patients having an earlier resolution, within 24 hours after stroke. The researchers evaluated 1,009 patients: 644 received tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) delivered intravenously (IV) in an MSU, and 365 received EMS care. The study found that with t-PA treatment in a mobile unit about one in four patients who had a suspected stroke recovered within 24 hours and one in six averted a stroke with no demonstrable trace of brain injury on an MRI. The outcome improved for patients treated by an MSU since the time from symptom onset to treatment was 37 minutes faster than for EMS care, meaning many more patients received vital t-PA within the crucial first hour.
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