Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.
Binswanger's disease is a condition that affects the small blood vessels deep inside the brain. This damage to the blood vessels stops blood from flowing properly to the brain's "white matter." The white matter is like the brain's wiring; it sends signals between different parts of the brain. When this wiring is damaged, it can cause problems with memory, thinking, and movement.
read more about binswangers disease ...The main cause of Binswanger's disease is damage to the small blood vessels from long-term, uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure makes these small, delicate vessels become stiff and narrow. This reduces blood flow and starves the white matter of oxygen, causing permanent damage.
The symptoms often start slowly and get worse over time. A person might become slow in their thinking, have trouble making decisions, or become very forgetful. They may also have problems with movement, such as walking with slow, shuffling steps. Other signs include changes in mood, like depression, or a loss of bladder control.
Binswanger's disease is a form of vascular dementia. "Dementia" is a general term for a loss of thinking skills that is bad enough to affect daily life. "Vascular" means it is caused by problems with blood vessels. The damage to the brain's white matter from Binswanger's disease is what causes the symptoms of dementia.
A doctor will talk to the person and their family about the symptoms. They will also do tests on memory and thinking skills. The best way to diagnose the condition is with a brain scan. An MRI or a CT scan can show the damage to the white matter deep in the brain, which looks different from other types of dementia like Alzheimer's.
There is no cure for Binswanger's disease, and the brain damage cannot be reversed. Treatment is focused on stopping the disease from getting worse. The most important treatment is to strictly control the person's high blood pressure. This means taking blood pressure medicine every day, eating a healthy diet, and quitting smoking. A doctor may also prescribe medicines to help with memory loss or mood changes.
Is Binswanger's disease the same as Alzheimer's?
No. They are both types of dementia, but they have different causes. Alzheimer's is caused by plaques and tangles in the brain. Binswanger's disease is caused by damage to blood vessels from high blood pressure.
Can Binswanger's disease be prevented?
The best way to prevent this disease is to keep your blood pressure under control. Getting regular checkups, taking your medicine, eating a low-salt diet, and exercising are all very important.
Does this disease run in families?
Not directly, but the main cause (high blood pressure) can run in families. There is also a very rare, inherited form of the disease, but most cases are related to lifestyle and blood pressure.
You should see a doctor if you or a loved one are having new problems with memory, thinking, or walking. If you have a history of high blood pressure and start to feel "slower" or more forgetful, it is important to get checked. A doctor can find the cause of your symptoms and help you make a plan to protect your brain.