Drug Taken for Common Condition May Be Slowing Alzheimer’s Decline

Key Points:

• A study from Karolinska Institutet found that newer blood thinners known as NOACs may slow cognitive decline in patients with both atrial fibrillation and Alzheimer's disease, compared to the older drug warfarin or no anticoagulant treatment.
• The research, analyzing data from over 7,300 patients, showed that those on NOACs experienced a modest but significant slower decline in cognitive function and had lower risks of death, stroke, blood clots, and fractures.
• Warfarin also reduced risks of death, stroke, and clots but was associated with a higher risk of major bleeding compared to NOACs.
• Researchers caution that the observational nature of the study means it cannot prove causation, as other factors may have influenced outcomes, and some patients switched medications during the study.
• Experts advise patients not to change their medication based on these findings alone, emphasizing the need for further research to confirm the benefits of NOACs in this patient group.