Results of Alzheimer'S Disease Endovascular Treatment Method

Abstract

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease is one of the most pressing problems. We present the results of Alzheimer's disease endovascular treatment based on catheter revascularization and recovery of collateral and microvascular bed of the brain by means of transluminal exposure to low-energy laser radiation. The study included 52 patients aged 34-79 (average 65) who had had Alzheimer's disease for a long time. 46 (88.5%) patients underwent surgery including: Group (CDR-0) - 4 (8.7%) - with an increased risk of acquiring the disease - patients suffering from growing memory disorder, without much cognitive disorder and manifestations of dementia whose 2 or more immediate family members had Alzheimer's disease; Group (CDR-1) - 15 (32.6%) - with mild dementia, mild cognitive disorder and moderate manifestations of the disease (history of up to 2 years); Group (CDR-2) - 20 (43.5%) - with moderate dementia, persistent cognitive disorder and more severe manifestations of the disease (history of up to 6 years); Group (CDR-3) - 7 (15.2%) - with severe dementia, gross cognitive disorder and late-stage Alzheimer's disease (history of 7-12 years). The examination plan included CT or MRI with subsequent calculation of the volume of the temporal lobes of the brain, scintigraphy (SG) of the brain, rheoencephalography (REG) and cerebral MUGA. Surgical interventions in Group CDR-0 were performed prophylactically, and in the other groups in 1-12 years after the symptoms appeared. Revealed basic X-ray morphological features of Alzheimer's disease are: atrophy of the temporal lobes of the brain combined with reduction of capillary blood flow in fronto-parietal and temporal regions, multiple arteriovenous shunts in the same regions, early venous shunts and passive venous congestion in fronto-parietal region. Indications and contraindications for the treatment are described. Positive results such as reduction of dementia, improved memory and diminished cognitive disorder have been achieved in all cases though the degree was different in each group of patients. The treatment of patients in different stages of Alzheimer's disease helps not only halt further disease progression, but may also cause its regression. It cannot be excluded that the process is accompanied by brain tissue regeneration.