What is CADASIL?

What is CADASIL?

Definition. CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Sub-cortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy) is an inherited form of cerebrovascular disease that occurs when the thickening of blood vessel walls blocks the flow of blood to the brain.

Is CADASIL a vascular dementia?

CADASIL is of interest to neurologists and psychiatrists because it is the first syndrome of vascular dementia and depression with an identified gene. How the gene causes the widespread arteriopathy is not yet known.

Is CADASIL a vascular disease?

CADASIL is a rare, inherited type of vascular disease (a disease of the blood vessels such as arteries and veins) that can cause dementia. CADASIL stands for ‘Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy’. CADASIL is caused by a faulty gene.

Is CADASIL a progressive?

As in CADASIL, patients can experience progressive memory loss, deterioration of intellectual abilities and loss of balance with a progressive worsening of these symptoms, but symptoms are usually less severe and occur later in life. This condition is not inherited.

What is a CADASIL stroke?

Collapse Section. Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, usually called CADASIL, is an inherited condition that causes stroke and other impairments. This condition affects blood flow in small blood vessels , particularly cerebral vessels within the brain.

Is CADASIL an autoimmune disease?

It is crucial that the overlapping symptoms between MS and CADASIL be thoroughly examined to avoid misdiagnosis and treatment complications. The involvement of autoimmune mechanisms in CADASIL and the role of NOTCH3 mutations in provoking an autoimmune process should be further investigated.

Is CADASIL a leukodystrophy?

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, usually called CADASIL, is an inherited condition that causes stroke and other impairments. This condition affects blood flow in small blood vessels , particularly cerebral vessels within the brain.

Is CADASIL a rare disease?

Overview. Cerebral Autosomal-Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) and Cerebral Autosomal-Recessive Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL) are extremely rare genetic disorders.

How do you get CADASIL?

Causes and Risk Factors CADASIL and CARASIL are both caused by a gene mutation. The genetic cause of many cases remain to be discovered. Some cases of CADASIL are associated with changes in the NOTCH3 gene. This gene is involved with the functioning of muscle cells that make up the walls of blood vessels.

How long do people live with CADASIL?

The exact mortality rate in patients with CADASIL is unknown. The age at onset for stroke is 45-50 years. The mean age at death has been reported to be 61 years after a mean disease duration of approximately 23 years. Men tend to die earlier than women.

Is there a treatment for CADASIL?

There is no cure for CADASIL or CARASIL. Treatment for the condition focuses on managing patient symptoms. Migraine headaches and seizures associated with CADASIL may be treated using medications. Patients may be instructed to take aspirin daily to help lower their risk of a heart attack or stroke.