Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Cardiac Disease: Implications for Clinical Practice

Astrid C. van Nieuwkerk, Ronak Delewi, Frank J. Wolters, Majon Muller, Mat Daemen, Geert Jan Biessels

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is common in patients with cardiovascular disease. One in 3 patients presenting at cardiology clinics have some degree of cognitive impairment, depending on the cardiac condition, comorbidities, and age. In up to half of these cases cognitive impairment may go unrecognized; however, it may affect self-management and treatment adherence. The high prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients with cardiac disease is likely due to shared risk factors, as well as direct consequences of cardiac dysfunction on the brain. Moreover, cardiac interventions may have beneficial as well as adverse effects on cognitive functioning. In this review, we describe prevalence and risk factors for cognitive impairment in patients with several common cardiac conditions: heart failure, coronary artery disease, and aortic valve stenosis. We discuss the potential effects of guideline-based treatments on cognition and identify open questions and unmet needs. Given the high prevalence of unrecognized cognitive impairment in cardiac patients, we recommend a stepwise approach to improve detection and management of cognitive impairment.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2181-2191
Number of pages11
JournalStroke
Volume54
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2023

Keywords

  • aortic valve stenosis
  • cardiovascular disease
  • cognition
  • cognitive dysfunction
  • coronary artery disease
  • heart failure
  • prevalence

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