Irregular heartbeat link to dementia

AN irregular heartbeat may increase the risk of developing dementia.

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University say those with atrial fibrillation may experience a faster decline in memory skills than those without.

With atrial fibrillation, a form of arrhythmia, the heart’s normal rhythm is out of sync.

As a result, blood may pool in the heart, possibly forming clots that may go to the brain, causing a stroke.

But those with the condition who were given blood thinners – to keep their blood from clotting – saw the dementia risk reduced significantly.