Smokers have a 30% increased risk of all-cause dementia. Atrial fibrillation is common and increasing as our population ages. It is an independent risk factor for dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. It is associated with multiple other chronic conditions. Smoking is the most common risk factor for dementia, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation who stopped smoking had a significantly reduced risk of of vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia. This is another great example of how chronic illnesses tie together.
As you can see on the slide, each puff of cigarette smoke contains ten to the fifteenth oxidative particles per puff which switch on mTOR to enlarge the heart and cause scar tissue formation. Left atrial enlargement and scarring are key features that lead to atrial fibrillation. Increased levels of oxidants are also critical in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. That is a common denominator. By stopping smoking, oxidant exposure is reduced and fewer people develop Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.
You can easily see from the slide why the authors recommend optimal medical and lifestyle therapy early after the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. These conditions are all related and optimal therapy addresses the root causes. The reasons to change our approach are growing each day.
Very interesting. Does dipping contribute as well to the dementia?