About multi-infarct dementia binswanger's type
What is multi-infarct dementia binswanger's type?
Binswanger disease is a progressive neurological disorder caused by arteriosclerosis and thromboembolism affecting the blood vessels that supply the white-matter and deep structures of the brain (basal ganglia and thalamus). Most patients experience progressive loss of memory and intellectual abilities (dementia), urinary urgency or incontinence, and an abnormally slow, shuffling, unsteady pattern of walking, usually over a 5-10 year period. Due to their vascular etiology, the symptoms and physical findings associated with Binswanger disease may suddenly worsen due to stroke, stabilize and then improve for a brief time, but the patient's overall condition continues to progress as the blood vessels become increasingly obstructed.
What are the symptoms for multi-infarct dementia binswanger's type?
The symptoms of MID may appear gradually over time, or they may occur suddenly after a stroke. Some people will appear to improve and then decline again after they have more small strokes.
Early Symptoms
The early symptoms of Dementia include:
- getting lost in familiar places
- having difficulty performing routine tasks, such as paying the bills
- having difficulty remembering words
- misplacing things
- losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- experiencing personality changes
Later Symptoms
More obvious symptoms appear as Dementia progresses. These can include:
- changes in sleep patterns
- hallucinations
- difficulty with basic tasks, such as dressing and preparing meals
- delusions
- depression
- poor judgment
- social withdrawal
- memory loss
What are the causes for multi-infarct dementia binswanger's type?
MID is caused by a series of small strokes. A stroke, or infarct, is the interruption or blockage of blood flow to any part of the brain. The term “multi-infarct” means many strokes and many areas of damage. If blood flow is stopped for more than a few seconds, brain cells can die from a lack of oxygen. This damage is usually permanent.
A stroke can be silent, which means it affects such a small area of the brain that it goes unnoticed. Over time, many silent strokes can lead to MID. Large strokes that cause noticeable physical and neurological symptoms can also lead to MID.
What are the treatments for multi-infarct dementia binswanger's type?
Treatment will be tailored to your individual needs. Most treatment plans include medication and lifestyle changes.
Medication
Medications may include:
- memantine
- nimodipine
- hydergine
- folic acid
- CDP-choline
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are antidepressants that may also help neurons grow and reestablish connections in the brain
- calcium channel blockers for short-term cognitive function
- angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to lower blood pressure
Alternative Therapies
Herbal supplements have grown in popularity as treatments for MID. However, not enough studies have been done to prove that their use is successful. Examples of herbal supplements that are currently being studied for use in treating MID include:
- Artemisia absinthium, or wormwood, which is used to improve cognitive function
- Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, which is used to restore memory
- Bacopa monnieri, or water hyssop, which is used to improve memory and intellectual function
Be sure to discuss these supplements with your doctor before taking them, as they can interfere with other medications.
Other options for treatment include regular exercise to build muscle strength, cognitive training to regain mental function, and rehabilitation for mobility issues.
What are the risk factors for multi-infarct dementia binswanger's type?
MID generally occurs in people aged 55 to 75 years and is more common in men than in women.
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions that increase the risk of MID include:
- atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular, rapid heartbeat that creates stagnation that can lead to blood clots
- previous strokes
- heart failure
- cognitive decline prior to a stroke
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries
Lifestyle Risk Factors
The following are lifestyle risk factors for MID:
- smoking
- alcohol
- a low level of education
- a poor diet
- little to no physical activity
Is there a cure/medications for multi-infarct dementia binswanger's type?
There’s no evidence of any effective measure to avoid MID. As with many conditions, the best prevention method is to take care of your body. You should:
- Visit the doctor regularly.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Begin or maintain a regular exercise program.
- Ensure good blood pressure control.
- Maintain diabetic control.