Binswanger’s disease, a type of dementia that causes memory and cognitive changes, mood swings, and impaired movement, is caused by lesions in the white matter of the brain. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with medication and physical therapy. Diagnosis can be difficult as it resembles Alzheimer’s disease. Some experts consider it a subset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Also known as subcortical leukoencephalopathy, Binswanger’s disease is a type of dementia that can cause changes in memory and cognition, as well as significantly impact mood. The condition was first identified by Otto Binswanger in 1894 and first described as Binswanger’s disease in the early part of the 20th century. Because the condition bears a strong resemblance to Alzheimer’s disease, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose.
The underlying cause of Binswanger’s disease has to do with the development of lesions in the white matter of the brain. One of the first manifestations of the disease is a change in the ability to remember information that normally comes to the individual with great ease. As the condition worsens, the memory loss becomes more pronounced. The individual’s general cognitive abilities also begin to deteriorate, and sudden changes in mood are common.
Over time, the individual’s ability to move freely becomes impaired. It’s not uncommon for people with Binswanger’s disease to start moving much more slowly. The shoulders may start to sag. Tripping and falling become more common. In some patients, seizures very similar to epilepsy may begin, as well as the inability to control the bladder.
While it’s difficult to diagnose the presence of Binswanger’s disease, it’s not impossible. With the use of a CT scan, as well as an MRI, lesions in the white matter of the brain can be detected. Tests can often also detect ancillary signs of the condition, such as enlarged ventricles. However, since Alzheimer’s also affects the white matter of the brain, looking closely at test results is key to making an accurate diagnosis.
When it comes to treating Binswanger’s disease, there are no known means of curing the condition. Instead, the goal is often to find ways to treat and manage the specific set of symptoms experienced by the patient. This may include the use of medications to deal with bouts of depression and high or low blood pressure, as well as the use of physical therapy to help restore some confidence in the ability to walk. People suffering from the condition may also find that using a cane or walker makes it easier to get around without fear of falling.
While many medical professionals recognize Binswanger’s disease as a specific physical condition, others aren’t so sure. The doubt arises from the fact that Otto Binswanger reached his conclusions on the basis of the results of a macroscopic examination of the brain, without the aid of more in-depth investigations. For this reason, some health experts tend to think that Binswanger’s disease is more accurately described as a subset of Alzheimer’s disease, rather than as a disease in its own right.
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