A Traditional Review of Sickle Cell Disease and the Associated Onset of Dementia: Hematological and Neurocognitive Crossroads.

Ugochi Ojinnaka,Huma Quadir,Zubayer Ahmed,Knkush Hakobyan,Jihan A Mostafa,Mrunanjali Gaddam,Amudhan Kannan

doi:10.7759/cureus.18906

Abstract

Sickle cell trait and disease are potential risk factors for dementia and cognitive dysfunction in African Americans, as are genetic variants. This illness affects around 300 million people globally. Due to its ability to defend against severe malaria, it represents an evolutionary survival advantage. It has been shown that sickle cell disease and trait are independent risk factors for the prevalence and incidence of albuminuria and chronic renal disease. Sickle cell anemia impairs cognitive performance in people with minimal or mild manifestations of the genetic blood disorder, owing mostly to its cerebrovascular implications. Similarly, various cerebral minor vascular disorders, such as silent cerebral infarcts, have been linked to the sickle cell trait, which is associated with impaired cognitive ability. It has been found that patients with sickle cell disease have a significantly decreased subcortical and cortical brain volume. Adults and children with sickle cell disease have been documented to have attention-related issues, particularly reduced sustained attention.

Highlights

BackgroundMany vascular risk factors are associated with the decline in cognitive abilities and sometimes complete impairment, intermediated partially by short subclinical strokes [1,2]
Sickle cell disease and trait are genetic abnormalities that may increase the risk of dementia and cognitive dysfunction, especially in African Americans
Sickle cell trait is linked to albuminuria and chronic renal illness, as well as cardiovascular phenotypes and atrial fibrillation

Summary

Introduction

Many vascular risk factors are associated with the decline in cognitive abilities and sometimes complete impairment, intermediated partially by short subclinical strokes [1,2]. Wang et al (1998) reported the evidence of subclinical leukomalacia, stenosis, and tortuosity in children having sickle cell disease in neuroimaging findings Children with these neurological abnormalities showed cognitive impairments due to compromised nervous tissue development. Abnormal blood flow toward the frontal lobe has been demonstrated in adult people having sickle cell disease [48], which can point out executive function and concentration/attention issues, hematological studies should not be ignored.

Conclusions

Disclosures

Findings

Schatz J