Blood Thinners: Lowering Dementia Risk in AFib Patients
The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) instead of warfarin, a traditional blood thinner, is associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia in Asian populations receiving treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to a new study. The risk of dementia in those treated with DOACs was 12% lower than in those treated with warfarin. However, this lower incidence of dementia did not apply to other populations. The study suggests that DOACs may help prevent vascular dementia caused by mini-blood clots in the brain. While DOACs offer advantages over warfarin, such as not requiring dietary restrictions or regular blood tests, they are more expensive and lack a readily accessible antidote. The study highlights the need for further research to determine the applicability of these findings to different populations.