Tests heart procedure effect on memory in people with mild cognitive impairment
Compares catheter ablation with drugs alone for irregular heartbeat in older adults with memory problems.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: EfFect of Ablation of Persistent AtriaL Fibrillation on COgNitive Function in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Key facts
- Where
- Angers, Brest, Caen, Dijon, Grenoble, Marseille, Poitiers, and Saint-Denis, FranceSee the 8 sites
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 60 and 80 years old?
Source: NCT05790707, who can take part
Where in France
- CHU AngersAngers, FranceTaking people
- University HospitalBrest, FranceTaking people
- University HospitalCaen, FranceTaking people
- University HospitalDijon, FranceTaking people
- Chu GrenobleGrenoble, FranceTaking people
- La TimoneMarseille, FranceTaking people
- University HospitalPoitiers, FranceTaking people
- Centre Cardiologique du NordSaint-Denis, FranceNot yet recruiting
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Poitiers University Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT05790707
- Record updated
- 23 January 2026
- Original description
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Participants will be randomized into antiarrhythmic drugs alone or atrial fibrillation ablation + antiarrhythmic drugs.Read full original descriptionShow less
EfFect of Ablation of Persistent AtriaL Fibrillation on COgNitive Function in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment : - The FALCON Study-
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Participants will be randomized into antiarrhythmic drugs alone or atrial fibrillation ablation + antiarrhythmic drugs.
Inclusion: Patients aged 60 to 80 years; Persistent atrial fibrillation; Patients with an indication for cardiac rhythm control; Montreal Cognitive Assessment score between 18 and 25 points corresponding to mild cognitive impairment; Free subject, not under temporary or permanent guardianship and not subject to subordination; Subject understanding and accepting the constraints of the study; Patient covered by French national health insurance or benefiting from it through a third party; Subject has given written consent to the study after having received clear and complete information.
Exclusion: Patient with history of previous atrial fibrillation ablation; History of clinical stroke; Presence of a bruit at carotid auscultation or history of severe carotid stenosis; History or suspicion of neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis...), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression or amyloidosis; Contraindication to atrial fibrillation ablation (intracardiac thrombus, severe pulmonary hypertension, mechanical mitral valve prosthesis or contraindication to anticoagulation,…); Contraindication to antiarrhythmic drugs, or to implantable cardiac monitor; Pregnant or breastfeeding women, women at age to procreate and not using effective contraception (hormonal/barrier: oral, parenteral, percutaneous implantable, intrauterine device, or surgical: tubal ligation, hysterectomy, total ovariectomy); Impossibility to perform the neuropsychological evaluation (communication problems such as hearing loss or aphasia, language barrier); Patient undergoing flutter ablation or atrial tachycardia ablation (not atrial fibrillation ablation); Patient with very advanced persistent atrial fibrillation, i.e., for more than 3 years or with a left atrial diameter >60 mm in parasternal long axis section or a left atrial volume > 48ml/m2 in echocardiography; Subject with a life expectancy of less than 24 months at study enrolment; Inability to consent; Persons benefiting from a reinforced protection, namely minors, persons deprived of liberty by a judicial or administrative decision, adults under legal protection, and finally patients in emergency situations.