AF and Cognitive Decline

[@EljinRIP]

You are seriously one of my favorite doctors. You are compassionate and evidence based. Too many internet doctors have gone off the rails, especially after the pandemic, but you have stayed true to yourself and you thankfully have not changed. Thank you for your work and please continue to be the doctor that you are.

[@NursePeter]

As a nurse, I appreciate your going outside the guidelines and new research. Thank you!

[@williamh5103]

Too true!

[@williamh5103]

I watch my wife suffering from AF with extreme fatigue and periods of brain fog! Our doctor has not got a clue. It really saddens me to watch this slow chronic decline with no hope and no end in sight. Depressing but I am sure Dr Gupta you are more than right.

[@mauracurran3270]

I have AF since my 60s , under control since then, now 80.Keep fit and active, learn something every day.

[@peterbedford2610]

How long have been taking blood thinners?

[@mauracurran3270]

20 yrs.

[@christine11347]

Dr. Gupta, your knowledge and expertise is far beyond the times and research when it comes to treating a patient as a whole.✨ Your openness to look at the big picture instead of just a part of it is a blessing for your patients and yet extremely frustrating for patients who have doctors that aren’t willing to keep an open mind beyond what they have been taught in the past.✨ This video is a much needed reminder to patients and loved ones that self advocacy and awareness is crucial, empowering and necessary when it comes to our health and wellbeing.✨ No one knows ourselves and what we are feeling better then ourselves.🫶 Respectfully, many doctors are intimidated when patients ask specific questions and become defensive; which has a tendency to shut a patient down.✨ In life we are not for everyone and everyone is not for us; which applies to our relationships with doctors as well. ✨ If a doctor does not listen to your concerns or dismisses them they are likely not the right fit for you and it’s in your best interest to find a new one.🥼✨ Thank you as always Dr. Gupta for all that you do. Please know that the content you share reaches well beyond the patients you treat and is helping to improve and change lives all around the world.🌍 ✨🥼🤝👏 God bless🙏

[@melmcd100]

@@christine11347 - so well said

[@melmcd100]

Thank you so much for this most insightful video - it’s very thought-provoking and I agree the various possible connections which exist between AF and cognitive decline need to be explored throughly. With diagnoses of the various forms of cognitive impairment and decline seemingly on the increase, recognizing and treating AF feels more vital than ever.

[@williamh5103]

All I can say is yes!

[@rob_in_banchang]

Thank you for the information. All new to me. I have AF and now in addition to being concerned about having a heart attack or stroke I can add dementia to the list. Very depressing to be honest.

[@CJR434]

It doesn't have to happen. Stay mega healthy.

[@arleneshepler9180]

Yes! Same here. I have AFib and now concerned with this!

[@Katgirl2024]

Me too. 😢

Yes agree.!! I’m also really cheered up now.😪

[@SybilBhaggie]

I'm in New York and have svt for 7 yrs. I'm 78yrs.old. my episodes last more than 5hrs at times. I'm I too old for an ablation? I do appreciate your feedback.

[@CJR434]

I had paroxysmal AF Sanjay for 4 years. I then had an ablation, which was successful. My brain is very sharp, and I'm a 78 year old woman. I don't take anticoagulants because of the side effects.( I did take apixaban 5mg twice daily before the ablation). Instead I take 2000mg of turmeric a day and I eat garlic at most meals. 2 and a half years since the ablation. So far so good.

[@antspero]

I've just been diagnosed a few months back ,awaiting appointment to blood thinner clinic NHS.What about nattokinese,seen positive evidence as a potential blood thinner ?

[@kathleentrinity7367]

Recently I've had spikes in my blood pressure and have been worrying about cognitive decline. Now that I'm on Losartan and Metoprolol, I worry about bradycardia and clots. I take natto only about once or twice per week since I've noticed I get nosebleeds if I take more and since I take vitamin E and Omega 3 more often. So, I really appreciate Dr. Gupta's new information that implies a balance between using blood thinners and not using them for some of us. Knowing about recent studies gives me more confidence in making decisions.

[@mvlandis6456]

This is very encouraging. Thanks for sharing.

[@MarielleilonaLinthorst]

A doctor who encourages his patients to be proactive. Sink me.

[@Propofol1234]

What are you talking about? That's all doctors.

[@MarielleilonaLinthorst]

@Propofol1234 On which planet? I rarely had one.

[@kaycee625]

My mother was diagnosed with AF and prescribed apixaban (eliquis). We noticed a cognitive decline. Her doctor said she absolutely had to stay on the meds but she took herself off. After some time her memory, confusion and irrational behaviour improved greatly and she was brighter altogether. This is a very basic and naive story but it’s as we witnessed it. It was her own decision.

[@francesgraham5411]

Thank you for telling us this. I am now 88, and 8 months ago had a TAVI procedure which has resulted in high blood pressure and high doses of bp medications wth unacceptable side effects. I have taken myself off all medication except daily aspirin and 24 mgs of candesartan. I don’t have many more years to live and don’t intend to live them in a miserable state because of being over medicated. I am sure doctors have the best intentions but medicating someone into brainfog, leaky bladder, insomnia, bad rosacea and hives as side effects of medication js not for me.

[@privatesuzie4071]

When I hear a patient say ‘I took myself off the meds’ I wonder how? I have spent all past 9 months 2nd HA being taken on and off heart meds because I cannot tolerate meds given for heart failure, heart attack, gout, insomnia, weight gain, blood sugar rise, chronic pain,depression….I have tried going off pills for 48 hours and felt relief…but scared back in to playing with doses again by cardiac team and withdrawals….I am 73 and am interested in getting back in to more Food Is Medicine …after my first HA 13 years ago, 9 stents, ablation I think I am one of those people that need a balance of interventions…heart disease is rampant in my family, as is diabetes….my lifestyle changes in past were too slow to stop the heart from getting sick. I made commitment to this Western Path to try anything to heal…But I am angry how sick I feel….

[@leemclellan2338]

How does one engage with health providers when you only it’s difficult to get appointments and only 5 mins to address any health problems ???

[@OrianaMalina]

Thank you Dr.Gupta for valuable information. My mother has vascular dementia and I’m her caregiver.

[@claudiarusso6702]

Bless this caregiver. My mom also has vascular dementia but I'm 3000 miles away. She is in palliative care and remains stable but to be a caregiver is very difficult, especially to our mom's. It's the long "good bye". Bless you.❤🙏

[@trylliumt5441]

Bless you! 🙏

[@Michelle-72]

This is interesting, Sanjay. Thank you. I have often thought there was a link. My dad had AF and then heart failure, CKD and was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He sadly passed away in November from endocarditis which led to multi organ failure. He was taking so many tablets, regularly in hospital and life became very difficult for him and for us. (I'm one of your PoTS patients).

[@Zengardenertiktok]

Thank you so very much for taking the time to inform us of these very important findings Doctor

[@NuLiForm]

Dr....you have such a beautiful soul

[@MargaretMcilwaine]

Scary thought it’s bad enough dealing with af to be told there is a risk factor of dementia. Since I took af and went on medication, I do feel my brain is not as sharp as it was for some reason .

[@eh6454]

Thank you, Dr Gupta - I appreciate these informative and educational vlogs. It’s helpful to hear about current thinking and research, and to get a better understanding of the complexities and considerations. Happy New Year to you 😊

[@ezvahedi1387]

lovely doctor . big soul . thank you dear dr

[@jamescarlson486]

Thank you. More studies need to be done focusing on this issue.

[@trylliumt5441]

My electrocardiologist took me off the low-dose Eliquis after about three months following my ablation to treat atrial flutter - that was five years ago and doing fine. 🙏 He also told me that there is a risk of brain bleeds from long-term use and the same with low-dose aspirin, which he also didn't recommend. Of course it always depends on the individual patient.

[@ianlewin9243]

Thank you. Your thoughts are my thoughts. I have had a cva, I have had a fib, I now have balance issues which some clinicians wish to relate to cerebral small vessel disease. Your holistic opinion is very supportive and positive.

[@Wellbaby94]

Knowledge is power. Thank you for once again adding to our knowledge.

[@1MogJon]

Thank you, Dr Gupta.

[@tater9384]

"The Father" is indeed an outstanding film. I highly reccomend anyone interested in dementia to watch it.

[@williamh5103]

Very depressing

[@jmc8076]

For any who miss it 0:37 AF = atrial fibrillation. Good to see you staying warm in this one. : ) Dr G can you add link to studies you talk about?

[@amandakeller2920]

Since the standard of care for AFib includes the prescription of statins I would like to see independent studies of people who refuse the statins and have AFib. We cannot ignore the connection between statins and cognitive decline.

[@WillCarrot]

This^^^ restrict the brain from fat, the brain will decline. This is why Keto/Carnivore diet helps improve memory etc.

[@sdjohnston67]

Poor metabolic health (mainly from a terrible diet) may be the connection here. Chronically high blood glucose, hyperinsulinemia, and high BP typically go together and are serious risks for both AF and dementia. It would explain why younger patients with AF have an even greater link to dementia. They are likely in worse metabolic health. Maybe look for metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes) to see if it might be a common denominator.

[@Katgirl2024]

I just found out I have prediabetes. More incentive to continue working on my health. I've lost 40#, I'm in a healthy weight range now (my goal is ten more so I'm on the lower end of healthy weight) I have not been very active last few years but now set a timer so I get up and jump on a rebounder about five minutes 6 or 7 times a day. After supper, I walk 20+ minutes. That is helping lower my fasting glucose numbers. I have ship shaped up my diet as well. Man. It's a terrible condition, this makes it worse.

[@davidbains5719]

Thanks for your thoughts on the latest research into AF/dementia. It does lead to questions about the best dosage of anticoagulants. I take a moderate dose and keep cycling!

[@rafaelnozal3682]

Good information as usual, happy 2025

[@andyball6906]

Very interesting. Having recently had an ablation I was prescribed edoxaban 60mg prior to the procedure. I have been left on this max dose because of a risk score of 2. Having heard your discussion I plan to talk to my GP to halve this dose.

[@peterbedford2610]

I've been in constant AF for at least 5 years. On blood thinners for 4 years. I wonder if its the AF or the blood thinners that promote dementia?

[@sern9120]

Dr Gupta , as a retired medical consultant, and as someone who recently lost their spouse, my personal observation is that the use of anticoagulants for AF is a two edged sword. In the case of our patient, the start of Apixaban 6 months after a permanent pace maker for bundle branch block , caused a sudden change due to microbleeds into the brain , and dementia . Apixaban was not ascribed as the cause of dementia , as spontaneous bleeding was not linked to the drug. But , by the time the drug was withdrawn, other bleeds had occured and mental decline of key functional areas was established. I am since wary of this belief that spontaneous bleeding will not occur with the newer anticoagulants. Looking back , we would rather have taken the chance with AF.

[@bb2021]

Dr Sanjay, the % you mention, is it calculated using absolute or relative risk? It sounded like absolute risk so was shocking, but I think, for clarity, it's always important to say which you mean. I'm sure you've said in a previous video that newspaper headlines may say 50% higher risk to shock us, while in fact, they refer to an increase from 1% to 1.5% risk. I think we always need to know which % risk and what the baseline % is. Otherwise, how can we really understand? Thank you. (Love the videos! 😁 )

[@jennywren8937]

A good point, we need a qualified statistician here.

[@bb2021]

@@jennywren8937 I just think every piece of medical research should just state this. It's the loophole that lets newspapers print such misleading headlines. Dr G. is not trying to mislead us - he explained this in a previous video - but we do need this clarified. x

[@sussika1231]

@@bb2021really.....i dont have to know the % bc "statistics and other lies"....just the fact that the risk exists.....

[@bb2021]

@@sussika1231 If you trust the research enough to believe there is a risk, surely you need to know the level of that risk? Dr Gupta posted last year that anti coagulants are needed, in some people, to reduce the stroke risk if you have AF or AFl. You need to know which risk it is to help make good decisions.

[@sailingoctopus1]

I thought it was pretty clear that people with AF have 44% higher risk of developing dementia than those without AF. I don't know what the chance of non AF suffers is of developing dementia, but say it is 1% then those with AF would have a 1.44% risk of developing dementia. Pretty small, I would say, but of course any increase is disturbing because dementia is something that no one wants.

[@Katgirl2024]

So I did some research briefly.....interestingly there are similar risk factors (or CO morbidities) of both....many we have power to change. Here is a short list from very short time researching... Inactivity High blood pressure Diabetes Alcohol Crappy diet Poor sleep Anyone else please feel free to add any research here....this video left me a bit drained....from an already draining condition. I like seeing things I CAN change, so possibly feeling power over my own health. One research paper did show diabetes can increase dementia by 80%. That was eye opening.

[@ccpperrett7522]

They are now calling Alzheimers, end stage diabetes or Type 3 Diabetes.

[@sailingoctopus1]

Remember, that's an 80% higher risk than someone that doesn't have diabetes, so if someone without diabetes has, say, a 1% risk of developing dementia then someone with dementia has a 1.8% chance, which isn't quite so scary.

[@yebo56]

My brother is 64 and has had permanent/persistent AFib for around a decade. He had to give up work, a couple years ago, due to cognitive decline. He was CFO for quite a bit organization. His condition has been described as "1000 mini strokes", fitting into the microclot and/or minibleed theory. It's kinda noticeable, day to day, but not obvious.

[@jennywren8937]

My cousin was a lifelong keen sportsman, mentally alert, controlled his anticoagulants, but died of a massive brain bleed. RIP.

[@kathleentrinity7367]

Sorry, but thank you for sharing this information.

[@Propofol1234]

Did he have a head injury?

[@jennywren8937]

​@@Propofol1234No injury or apparent reason. He had just arrived at his apartment in Spain and remarked to his wife that he thought he was bleeding behind his eye. He received excellent hospital attention there where he had surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. He was later flown back to England where he passed away. My observation of those who have received anticoagulants has not been good despite monitoring, but that is not to say they are not successful for many patients. I hope I shall never have reason to use them and for the most part I prefer natural health, medications last resort under trusted supervision which is scarce these days.

[@jennywren8937]

​@@Propofol1234My reply was deleted, but no, he had no injury.

[@barbarawells5323]

Hi. Thank you for sharing this information. It’s a subject I wonder about. I have paroxysmal AFib for 10 years and do get brain fog after each episode for a couple of days.

[@Katgirl2024]

Me too.

[@Funny-qz3mr]

Hello Can I ask you how do I know if I have AF or not any test blood or scan ? I always worry about about my health because of too stress I am 36 man and I have had health anxiety stress for almost 3 years. Thanks

[@sailingoctopus1]

​@@Funny-qz3mrYou really have to have an ECG to be sure. I had a ten week episode of chronic anxiety 12 years ago, so my heart goes out to you. Anxiety felt, to me, like I was being poisoned and I suppose that is what was happening, my body was poisoning itself with excessive amounts of adrenaline. I wouldn't be at all surprised if it wasn't the poisoning from my ten week episode of anxiety that caused or contributed to my AF a decade later. My advice to anyone suffering from stress induced anxiety is do whatever it takes to get rid of the stress. Go and live in a mud hut in Africa for a year, would be a good idea. The trouble is that the crazy logic that pervades a state of anxiety often prevents these lateral-thinking solutions. My advice, don't think do it!

[@seedman122]

What about metabolic derangement , glycation, type 3 diabetes?

[@linda85853]

Thanks, Doc. Happy 2025 God bless 🙏✝️❤️

[@JohnBould]

Is there any difference if one has persistent vs paroxysmal AF? Seems like an important distinction that should be made.

[@MrsJOBeech]

How can you tell if it's the AF or the beta blockers they put you on?

[@mmamallama1827]

Thank you 🙏🏼 Video recommendation: Q&A Get to know Dr Sanjay Gupta !!

[@ajclark538]

Is it the AF or the medication that they are taking? Like anti- coagulants?

[@joybrooks564]

As a person who has a fib and takes blood thinners every day, this makes me concerned.. I can’t stop taking eliquis due to my blood likes to clot

[@Funny-qz3mr]

Hello Can I ask you how do I know if I have AF or not any test blood or scan ? I always worry about about my health because of too stress I am 36 man and I have had health anxiety stress for almost 3 years. Thanks

[@riteasrain]

@@Funny-qz3mr For starters Google symptims of AF and see if you have any of those. Most people will notice symptoms first and seek tests which will confirm. Start from there.

[@jennytrouve5006]

Thank you so much for this video 💐

[@Hildred6]

Excellent information

[@annasutton8078]

My friend has AF, anxiety and Parkinson's . Not a good combination. I am loosing my friend every day. If you are enjoying good health, you are blessed.

[@stevelanghorn1407]

Could a "Low-Carb" / Ketogenic diet be helpful for those with Atrial Fibrillation? Or would the so-called "Mediterranean diet" be preferable, given it has long been considered "heart healthy"? There seems to be a torrent of on-line information about the supposed benefits of various types of Ketogenic diets pouring in from the US, Canada and Australia. But I can't help wondering if there may also be a meat-marketing element influencing this.

[@nypdbob]

Thank you

[@ismatnaquib600]

You are super. I need to make an appointment with you soon. How can I do it? I live in the USA. Please let me know. Thanks.

[@sailingoctopus1]

Thank you, Dr Gupta. However this video left me a little confused. If I understood correctly, the link between AF and dementia is fairly clear (44% greater for those with AF), especially in younger people with AF, but it is those younger people with AF, but it is those younger people with AF that may not necessarily be prescribed anticoagulants. So, I'm not clear whether the suggestion is that anticoagulants reduce the risk of dementia or are increase it. I've been suffering from intermittent AF for two years from the age of about 62. It sounds like normally I would not be prescribed anticoagulants, because of my relatively young age, but, as it happens, I also had a DVT in my leg three years ago, so have been on anticoagulants (Apixaban) ever since. It doesn't sound like I have much choice whether or not to atay on Apixaban, but I'd like to know whether it is increasing or reducing my risks of dementia. Neither a stroke or dementia are attractive prospects.

[@joanneurbanowicz4994]

What about nattokinase

[@nml1930]

Thanks very much

[@mballer]

I have a play-list on dementia and possible reversal.

[@bryanjackson6378]

Please share

[@mballer]

@bryanjackson6378 kzbin.info/aero/PLF2u8wp26pCLy0HX985ZyerhhTmgCb3Ht

[@waynecraske711]

This is something in really concerned about, I'm a (fairly fit) 40 year old who has just been diagnosed with paroxysmal af, and I'm feeling a bit like I'm looking at a shortened, unhealthy life in which I'm likely to lose my mind. I'm told that anti coagulation wouldn't be a good fit for my age.... I'm not sure what to do.

[@sudz20]

Dr Gupta what are your thoughts on Nattokinase as a blood thinner?

[@CJR434]

Curcumin.

[@sudz20]

I have been using Natto instead of Aspirin and L Arginine to open my arteries instead of pharma meds as I was getting too many side effects. Both seem to do a better job

[@sheilam4964]

Thx.

[@michaelketley1252]

I’m puzzled, a search of many studies on using anticoagulants with patients who had AF showed a reduction in the incidence of dementia. Am I missing something please?

[@mballer]

Search warfarin specifically, brain white matter, myelin, dementia.

[@deb6007]

I am 52 and in persistent AF. I have hcm which makes for added concerns although this is stable. What should I be pushing for?

[@tulipsontheorgan]

How are your electrolytes?

[@annasutton8078]

Ablation has worked for some of my friends if medication is not successful. Sorry I dont know what hcm is. I am not a doctor .As I understand it the priority would be yo get your heart back into a normal rhythm.

[@williamh5103]

Another depressing excellent film is Iris with Helen Mirren Fox 2002

[@mballer]

Dementia reversal play-list. kzbin.info/aero/PLF2u8wp26pCLy0HX985ZyerhhTmgCb3Ht

[@KoiRun50]

Thank you.

[@mballer]

@KoiRun50 you're welcome

[@janeblood6275]

That is a good movie.

[@alanblake749]

Dear dr ,i think you do stunning work, I had af , 2x cardio overts . Etc, I found the following , the first you already know, Second is a sleeping dragon 🐉 worth you looking at . Increased magnesium using pumkin seeds Second iodine , Lugol's, see dr david Brownsteins work. Also remove all other halides from you diet and environment as possible.

[@sussika1231]

Im 87 and have af for i dont know how long, maybe 40 years? First was diagnosed mitro valve regurg in thr 1990s. But a few yrs ago had mini strokes, just got up, rested 1+ min. And went on w my life. Then two bigger TIAs which i could not ignore.....hospital, thoro checkup MRI, scans, found many small mini stroke areas! Nor on 5 mg Eloquis a day and no more fear. Living in large hse alone but plenty famly support and best cardiologists around. Af never really bothered me only when pulse went way too fast.....rarely. Beta blockers no way, fell asleep and brachicardia. Calcium ch blocker (hospital recomm) so dizzy fell, out of bed. No more of those. Lipitor! No way even 20 mg could not poop for weeks, and now im only taking the anticoagulant, keep physically and mentally busy and for pain no NSAIDs but smallest dose Tramadol only as needed for sciatica. Too many meds would have made me a sick old woman. Learn another language! Take trips via your ipad the world over! Have younger friends and stay away from that senior center. I fight age with all ive got. God bless u all.

[@outcastoffoolgara]

Love the 16mm movie film vertical lines. Memories... :))

[@LTVoyager]

I am trying to decide if this is a special effect edited in or if his camera was having sensor issues. 😁

[@outcastoffoolgara]

@@LTVoyager I am leaning toward sfx in the editing tools. Waiting for a sprocket ripping foul up button ;(

[@tangoone6312]

🧠

[@Alan_Clark]

Why not tell us what AF stands for in the title of the video, instead of leaving us guessing?

[@jmc8076]

0:37 atrial fibrillation

[@sussika1231]

@@jmc8076which means an irregular heart beat, occasionally or all the time.

[@LTVoyager]

AI agree that a five word title is still appropriately concise. No need to use an abbreviation for a title that is already short.

[@MarthaAllenen]

My cat looked at me as if to say, "Keep laughing man, this is my show!😘

[@RobertByfordrd]

I started watching this video with anticipation and ended it with stomach aches from laughing💋

[@LettyK]

Take your underwear elsewhere and get outta here!

[@sassysandie2865]

Why?

[@OrianaMalina]

@@sassysandie2865it’s a bot. Look at the picture and they joined YT only couple of hours ago.

[@suefox7284]

Why are you laughing

[@tangoone6312]

Sounds like you may have AF. :)