Abstract

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. While new therapeutic modalities have been available for Alzheimer's disease, there is currently no effective treatment for VaD. We encountered two cases with VaD who recovered their cognitive function to normal levels after ventriculoatrial shunt (VA shunt). Both cases complained cognitive impairment shortly after cerebral infarctions. Their brain images showed ventricular dilatation without the findings of disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus, which is regarded as characteristic for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Both cases were initially diagnosed as VaD by board neurosurgeons. However, since they showed positive response to lumbar tap test, VA shunts were performed. Both cases recovered their cognitive function to normal level. Their excellent cognitive outcomes after VA shunts indicate that many iNPH patients with lacunar infarcts may possibly be misdiagnosed as VaD.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.