Association between atrial fibrillation and cognitive decline:a role of pulse wave

Naoki Saji

Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is known as a robust risk factor for stroke.　Recent reports have suggested a risk of dementia with NVAF, but much remains unknown regarding the relationship between this mechanism and the potential protective effects of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), or non-vitamin-K oral anticoagulants.　Currently, we are conducting a multicenter, prospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study to compare the effects of warfarin therapy and DOACs on cerebrovascular diseases and cognitive impairment.　Associations regarding cerebral small vessel diseases and pulse wave, a impact of pulse, may play an important role in the association between NVAF and cognitive decline.

Address correspondence to Naoki Saji, M.D., Ph.D., Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology （7-430 Morioka, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan）