Binswanger's Disease (cont.)
How is Binswanger's disease diagnosed?
Brain imaging, which reveals the characteristic brain lesions of Binswanger's
disease, is essential for a positive diagnosis.
Is there any treatment for Binswanger's disease?
There is no specific course of treatment for Binswanger's disease. Treatment is symptomatic.
- People with depression or
anxiety may require antidepressant medications such as the serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
sertraline or
citalopram.
- Atypical antipsychotic drugs, such as
risperidone and
olanzapine, can be useful in individuals with agitation and disruptive behavior.
- Recent drug trials with the drug
memantine have shown improved cognition and stabilization of global functioning and behavior.
- The successful management of
hypertension and
diabetes can slow the progression of atherosclerosis, and subsequently slow the progress of
Binswanger's disease.
- Because there is no cure, the best treatment is preventive, early in the adult years, by controlling risk factors such as hypertension,
diabetes, and
smoking.
What is the prognosis for Binswanger's disease?
Binswanger's disease is a progressive disease; there is no cure. Changes may be sudden or gradual and then progress in a stepwise manner.
Binswanger's disease can often coexist with Alzheimer's disease. Behaviors that slow the progression of high blood pressure, diabetes, and atherosclerosis -- such as eating a
healthy diet and keeping healthy wake/sleep schedules,
exercising, and not smoking or drinking too much alcohol -- can also slow the progression of Binswanger's disease.
Next: What research is being done on Binswanger's disease? »
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