# Research on atrial fibrillation and cognitive decline

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/research-on-atrial-fibrillation-and-cognitive-decline
> Updated: 2026-08-18T23:47:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Medical research has explored the relationship between atrial fibrillation, anticoagulant therapy, and cognitive decline in older adults.

A study conducted in Italy by the CNR Institute of Neurosciences, Careggi University Hospital, and the University of Florence found that seniors with atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulant therapy still face measurable cognitive deterioration. The Strat-AF study, which followed 140 participants over two years, reported an incidence of approximately 14 new cases per 100 persons per year—roughly double the rate of the general elderly population. Researchers identified vascular comorbidities, such as diabetes and coronary artery disease, as major risk enhancers.

Subsequent research from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden suggests a different perspective regarding medication. A study published in the European Heart Journal involving 7,308 older adults indicated a potential link between certain direct oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and a slower progression of cognitive impairment in patients with both Alzheimer’s disease and atrial fibrillation, compared to those using warfarin or no treatment.

Additionally, research from Hospital del Mar and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona identified prolonged grief as an independent risk factor that can cause or accelerate cognitive impairment, affecting memory, attention, and executive functions.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Research identifies potential factors influencing cognitive decline

New studies suggest that both the use of specific anticoagulants and the experience of prolonged grief may influence the rate of cognitive decline in older adults.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/research-identifies-potential-factors-influencing-cognitive-decline

### 2026-07-27: Italian Research Finds Atrial Fibrillation Patients on Anticoagulants Still Face Cognitive Decline

An Italian study of 140 seniors with atrial fibrillation on anticoagulants found a 14% annual incidence of cognitive decline, twice the general elderly rate, linked to vascular comorbidities and urging added C‑

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-research-finds-atrial-fibrillation-patients-on-anticoagulants-still-face-cognitive-decline

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Cite as: Research on atrial fibrillation and cognitive decline. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/research-on-atrial-fibrillation-and-cognitive-decline