Other Names
Binswanger’s Disease is also known as:
Subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathyLacunar dementiaIschemic periventricular leukoencephalopathySubcortical dementia
Signs and Symptoms
Binswanger’s Disease is often associated with the following conditions and symptoms:
Abnormal blood pressure, usually chronic hypertension History of stroke Damaged white matter in the brain due to lack of adequate blood flow Loss of memory and other cognitive declines including impaired executive functioning, poor judgment Behavior and mood changes including depression
Binswanger’s disease can also include difficulty with walking, a lack of facial expression, speech difficulties, clumsiness, and incontinence.
About one-third of people with Binswanger’s disease experience symptoms suddenly, while the other two-thirds show a more gradual decline.
Diagnosis
Brain imaging studies such as MRIs or CTs are helpful in diagnosing Binswanger’s disease.
Age of Onset
Signs and symptoms of Binswanger’s Disease usually begin after the age of 60 years of age.
Treatment and Prognosis
There is no cure for Binswanger’s Disease. However, taking good care of your heart and your brain can delay or slow the progression of the cognitive decline.
Who Was Dr. Binswanger?
Dr. Otto Binswanger was born on October 14, 1852, in Switzerland and died on July 15, 1929. Binswanger became a doctor and directed a mental asylum for many years. In 1894, he noted a condition he called “encephalitis subcorticalis chronica progressiva” which later would be termed Binswanger’s disease.
