Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)
Cerebrovascular diseases
by Kurt Jellinger
General outline
A rare form of cerebrovascular dementia caused by amyloid deposits in small-vessel walls which give rise to hemorrhages.
Synonyms
Congophilic angiopathy
Symptoms and course
A combination of neurological and psychopathological symptoms. Stepwise progressive, hemorrhages cause neurological symptoms accompanied by progressive dementia.
Causes and risk factors
Several mutations on the APP gene on Chromosome 21 have been identified in Dutch families.
Frequency
CAA at a subclinical level can occur in up to 98% of AD and 85% of aged brains.
Diagnostic procedures
Imaging (CCT and MRI) demonstrates the multiple hemorrhages. Genetic testing is used as ApoE [epsilon] 4 is a risk factor.
Care and treatment
Anticoagulants and thrombolysis; rehabilitation after stroke.
Available services
The Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) Resource This website is intended as a resource for both patients and families suffering from CAA and the investigators and clinicians who work in this field.
http://angiopathy.org
Last Updated: Friday 09 October 2009