Having one of the most common abnormal heart rhythms can place individuals at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer's, a new study finds.

Atrial fibrillation, a rapid but irregular heart rate, occurs when the two upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat out of coordination with the two lower ones (the ventricles).

The condition causes poor blood flow to different organs, resulting in palpitation, shortness of breath and weakness.

According to the study presented at the Heart Rhythm Society in Boston, patients experiencing atrial fibrillation are at a 44 percent higher risk of dementia, a general term for life-altering loss of memory and other cognitive disabilities.

Individuals with a heart condition aging over 70 years, however, are 187 percent more vulnerable to developing dementia.

These individuals are reported to be 130 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, accounting for up to 80 percent of all dementia cases.

Scientists are hoping to lower the risk of Alzheimer's by identifying high-risk individuals particularly those suffering from irregular heart rhythms.

PKH/HGH