SUBCORTICAL ISCHEMIC VASCULAR DISEASE

SUBCORTICAL ISCHEMIC VASCULAR DISEASE

Due to the narrowing and thickening of arteries (atherosclerosis) that supply blood to the subcortical regions of the brain, there will be widespread, microscopic areas of damage to the brain. This condition is called subcortical ischemic vascular disease or is also known as Binswanger’s disease. Atherosclerosis, the thickening, and hardening of arteries is a systemic process that influences the entire vasculature of the human body. It often starts in your late 40s and progresses with age. As the arteries become more restricted, blood volume decreases and nervous tissue ceases to live.

Cranial imaging reveals the brain lesions quintessential of the disease and is necessary for a precise and accurate diagnosis. The salient characteristic feature of vascular dementia is psychomotor sluggishness. Accompanying symptoms may include forgetfulness. However, this is not as serious as that of Alzheimer’s disease.

Management of comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, along with a healthy diet and exercise, can slow its progression. Unfortunately, those diagnosed with vascular dementia also can be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

SYMPTOMS

Subcortical ischemic vascular disease symptoms vary depending on the location where blood flow is impaired in your brain. Vascular dementia’s signs and symptoms include:

  • Confusion
  • Short attention spans and trouble concentrating
  • Reduced ability to organize thoughts or actions
  • A decline in critical thinking and analysis
  • Difficulty with a succession of tasks
  • Memory problems
  • Restlessness and agitation

 

    • Unsteady gait
    • Polyuria and inability to control urination
    • Depression

Physicians, most of the time, can determine whether you have dementia or not; however, in subcortical ischemic vascular disease, there is no specific test. Your physician’s clinical acumen will help determine if the subcortical ischemic vascular disease is the most probable cause of your symptoms based on the information that you provide.

The following can help aid your physician in confirming your diagnosis:

  • Lab tests
  • Neurological exam
  • Brain imaging – this includes high-resolution imaging modalities such asa CT scan and MRI
  • Carotid ultrasound
  • Neuropsychological tests

TREATMENT

Treating subcortical ischemic vascular disease centers on management of the comorbid conditions that accompany the disease.

Managing the comorbid conditions that influence the underlying health of your heart and vasculature can, at times, curb the progression at which dementia worsens, and may also halt further deterioration of the patient’s quality of life. Depending on your situation, your physician may prescribe medications to manage the following:

  • Hypertension
  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • Blood clots
  • Hyperglycemia

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