Cognitive dysfunction and its impact on the person with heart failure

Heart failure is common in the UK and the incidence increases with older age. It is independently associated with cognitive impairment when the patient's memory and concentration are both affected, as is his or her ability to understand and act on self-care information. Both heart failure and poor cognition are associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation and mortality. When both are present together, the quality of life and health outcomes are worse. These potential consequences of poor cognition are now well recognised and focus is now around early identification of those at risk and developing strategies to support them.