Cognitive dysfunction in advanced heart failure and prospective cardiac assist device patients.

Background: Extended periods of hypoperfusion in an advanced heart failure (HF) places patients at high risk for neurobehavioral compromise, which has not been studied systematically. It is also not clear how intravenous inotropic therapy and mechanical cardiac assist devices (MCAD) affect cognitive function.

Methods: This prospective cross-sectional cognitive preliminary study evaluated 252 potential heart transplant candidates assessing functions in memory, motor, and processing speed.