Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

MSPA

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-22-2026

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this literature review was to evaluate whether adults with heart failure, compared with adults without heart failure, have an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Methods: A narrative literature review used Google Scholar to identify studies evaluating cognitive outcomes in adults with congestive heart failure. Inclusion criteria: English-language full-text articles published since 2020, with one 2018 longitudinal study also selected due to its strong methodology. Studies involving pediatric populations or lacking cognitive outcomes were excluded. Five studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results: The review included three systematic reviews/meta-analyses, one cross-sectional study, and one longitudinal cohort study. Heart failure was consistently associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. One meta-analysis reported an 80% higher risk of cognitive impairment in patients with heart failure (HR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.14–2.86). Another found a pooled cognitive impairment prevalence of 41.42%, with the highest prevalence identified using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (66.67%). Individual studies demonstrated reduced cognitive screening scores among patients with heart failure, while the association between heart failure and dementia was less consistent across studies.

Conclusion: Current evidence supports a strong association between heart failure and cognitive impairment, highlighting the importance of routine cognitive screening and early recognition. Although the relationship between heart failure and dementia remains less certain, emerging evidence suggests a potential increased risk. Additional longitudinal studies using standardized cognitive assessment tools are needed to further define this association and guide clinical practice.

Keywords: Heart failure; Cognitive impairment/decline; Dementia; Cognitive screening

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Shiya Kamra has a special interest in surgery and plans to practice as a PA in Illinois after graduation. She also intends to pursue a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree to further her professional growth. She will be presenting "Cognitive Impairment in Heart Failure: Implications for Clinical Practice and Patient Care," reflecting her interest in neurological conditions and the factors that influence cognitive health, with the goal of promoting more comprehensive, patient-centered care.

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