Small vessel disease.

[Guest guest]

(small

vessel disease ) ,and that I need to watch my sugar and cholesterol.I told him

with Here is one link .Joanne

http://www.healthandage.com/Home/gm=20!gc=10!l=7!gid7=966

Can you PLEASE help explain what this disease is and what is means to my

mother's future. She is not having physical problems but more so cognitive

difficulties and a great deal of balance problems. Any information would be

appreciated. Thank you.

Answer

We understand your concern for your mother, and hope that we can help you

comprehend what small vessel disease is and it's implications for your mother's

future. 1) Small blood vessel arterial disease of the Brain is to do with

blockages in the arteries (blood vessels) supplying blood to the brain. A stroke

may ensue, or a temporary blockage of an artery, causes a transient ischaemic

attack (TIA) or 'mini-stroke'. . Multi-infarct Dementia is caused by a series of

mini strokes or TIAs that disrupt blood flow and damage or destroy brain tissue.

Small blood vessel arterial disease may result from obstruction, which hinders

the flow of blood; from disorders of the muscles in the artery walls, causing

them to either constrict or dilate; or from aneurysms, which are weakened vessel

segments that fill with blood and balloon outward. The formation of

atherosclerotic or fatty deposits along the inner arterial walls is the most

common arterial disease. When these deposits seriously obstruct the Coronary

arteries, a Heart Attack or symptoms of coronary disease are the common result.

Small vessel arterial disease of the Brain is to do with blockages in the

arteries (blood vessels) supplying blood to the brain.

The different problems in small vessel disease of the brain may be: a) When

arteries supplying blood to the brain are blocked, a Stroke may ensue. The

warning signs of a stroke are : Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or

leg especially on one side of the body - Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or

understanding - Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or

coordination - Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes - Sudden severe

headache with no known cause. A Temporary blockage of an artery, causes a

transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or 'mini-stroke'. Again, there is weakness or

numbness in an arm, leg or one side of the face or body, possibly with

disturbances of vision and speech. but the symptoms disappear quickly, sometimes

in a few minutes and always within 24 hours. It is, however, an important

warning that the person is at risk of a major stroke. c) Multi-infarct dementia

results from a series of mini-strokes known as transient ischaemic attacks

Dementia is a term used to describe a number of physical disorders of the brain

arising from several different causes. However they ALL have in common a decline

in intellectual function, especially loss of memory, difficulty in finding the

right words or understanding what people are saying, and mood changes. Because

of these declines dementia interferes with daily activities and social

relationships and reaches the stage where the patient is totally dependant and

bedridden with loss of all psychomotor and verbal skills. Dementia is usually

progressive, irreversible and ultimately fatal. Alzheimer's disease is the most

common type of dementia accounting for approximately 50% of all cases, which is

why it is mentioned so frequently when referring to dementia.

Because strokes occur suddenly, loss of thinking and remembering skills ­ the

symptoms of dementia ­ also occurs quickly and nd often in a step-wise pattern.

People with multi-infarct dementia may even appear to improve for short periods

of time, then decline again after having more strokes. Sudden onset of any of

the following symptoms may be a sign of multi-infarct dementia: Confusion and

problems with recent memory - Wandering or getting lost in familiar places -

Moving with rapid, shuffling steps - Loss of bladder or bowel control - Laughing

or crying inappropriately - Difficulty following instructions - Problems

handling money. Doctors sometimes prescribe aspirin, warfarin, or other drugs to

prevent clots from forming in small blood vessels. Medications also can be

prescribed to relieve restlessness or depression or to help patients sleep

better. To improve blood flow or remove blockages in blood vessels, doctors may

recommend surgical procedures, such as carotid endarterectomy, angioplasty, or

stenting. Studies are under way to see how well these treatments work for

patients with multi-infarct dementia. Scientists are also studying drugs that

can improve blood flow to the brain, such as anti-platelet and anti-coagulant

medications; drugs to treat symptoms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease

medications; as well as drugs to reduce the risk of TIAs and stroke, such as

cholesterol-lowering statins and blood pressure medications.

To know how to help your mother as the disease progresses, is to gain a better

understanding of dementia. Family members and friends can help someone with

multi-infarct dementia cope with mental and physical problems. They can

encourage individuals to maintain their daily routines and regular social and

physical activities. By talking with them about events and daily experiences,

family members can help their loved ones use their mental abilities as much as

possible. Some families find it helpful to use reminders such as lists, alarm

clocks, and calendars to help the patient remember important times and dates.

However, although the patient requires much care and support, it is extremely

important for the caregivers to receive just as much understanding and support

as the patient. In fact, the huge task and responsibility can be quite

overwhelming if this is not acknowledged. The effects on the family can be many

and varied, some of them being Stress and Confusion, and as time goes by, Guilt

and Anger. It is important to realise your own emotional vulnerability and to

have someone to talk things over with. In particular, your own space and

interests must not be lost. While the above checklist was prepared with

Alzheimer's disease caregivers in mind, the points are equally valid for family

caregivers of Multi infarct Dementia, stroke, cancer, or other chronic disease

victims.

While no treatment can reverse brain damage that has already been caused by a

stroke, treatment to prevent further strokes is very important. For example,

high blood pressure, the primary risk factor for multi-infarct dementia, and

diabetes are treatable. To prevent more strokes, doctors may prescribe medicines

to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

They will counsel patients about good health habits such as eating a low-fat low

cholesterol high fiber diet, exercising, avoiding smoking, stress management and

learning about healthy alcohol consumption. This lifestyle advice is also

appropriate to help prevent small vessel disease manifesting in those who do not

have it.

2) You ask about protection for yourself from developing such a disease. Many

factors increase the risk of developing coronary artery / heart disease, and

stroke. They include: family history of premature coronary heart disease, high

levels of cholesterol in the blood, high blood pressure (hypertension),

diabetes, menopause without estrogen replacement therapy, smoking, sedentary

lifestyle, obesity, and poor stress management. In some cases, atherosclerosis

cannot be prevented. Atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries. Fat,

Cholesterol and other substances accumulate in the walls of arteries and form

" atheromas " or plaques. Of these, the most important risk factor for

multi-infarct dementia is high blood pressure. Although you cannot change your

age, gender, or family history, you can take steps to lower the other risks One

should adhere to a healthy diet, free of saturated fats and cholesterol, and

containing plenty of fibre (as found in fruits, vegetables and cereals). Also of

importance is Regular physical exercise, losing extra weight, and maintaining

normal weight. Also Stress management, No smoking, and no more than 1-2 glasses

red wine daily are best. We hope you now have a better comprehension of Small

vessel disease, and what this means for your mother.