Heart rhythm hiccups may fog your brain, study suggests

NCT ID NCT04033510

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at whether people with atrial fibrillation (AF) have temporary drops in thinking skills during an AF episode. Researchers will test 600 patients using tablet-based games that measure memory, attention, and decision-making while in AF and again after their heart returns to normal rhythm. The goal is to understand if AF itself affects brain function, not to test a new treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If it works, this could show that AF episodes temporarily affect thinking skills, pointing toward ways to protect the brain during AF.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It only measures short-term changes and may not apply to all AF patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atrial fibrillation cognitive disorder Cognitive Dysfunction Neurobehavioral Manifestations

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Penrose St. Francis

    Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80907, United States