Heart failure can impact not only physical health but also cognitive function. New research shows that patients with heart failure often experience problems with memory, attention, and other aspects of mental function. This makes monitoring these patients particularly important for maintaining their quality of life.

Scientists from the University of California, Davis, conducted a study involving 50 healthy individuals and 40 patients with moderate to severe heart failure. All participants were matched for age and education, allowing for an objective assessment of the impact of heart problems on cognitive abilities.

Patients with heart failure performed worse on 14 out of 19 thinking tests compared to the control group. Almost half of the patients (46%) showed severe cognitive impairment, while only 16% of healthy participants experienced similar difficulties. Short-term memory was the most challenging, with these patients' scores four times lower than those of the control group.

Scientists note that the degree of cognitive impairment in patients with heart failure is comparable to that of people awaiting a heart transplant. This underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to treatment and monitoring that considers not only physical but also mental health.

Dr. Mary J. Sauvy recommends including dietary interventions, as well as exercises and activities aimed at developing mindfulness, memory training, and overall cognitive stimulation, in care instructions for patients with heart failure. This helps slow the progression of impairment and improve patients' quality of life.

The study also shows that cognitive function monitoring is often overlooked in routine practice. However, understanding the impact of heart disease on cognitive function allows doctors to more accurately identify risks and select interventions that help maintain optimal memory and thinking.