A simple operation that fixes an irregular heartbeat slashes patients' risk of dementia by more than a third, according to new research. The procedure, called catheter ablation, uses radiofrequency to burn small areas of tissue causing faulty nerve messages.
A fine tube is inserted into a vein in the leg and threaded through vessels into the organ. Former prime minster Tony Blair underwent the procedure almost two decades ago.
Lead author Dr Bahadar Srichawla, of the University of Massachusetts in the US, said: "Previous studies have found people with arrythmias may have long-term thinking and memory problems due to how this condition may affect the blood flow to the brain. Our findings show that treatment with catheter ablation is linked to a reduced risk of cognitive impairment."
