Binswanger’s disease (also known as subcortical vascular dementia) is a neurological disorder caused by widespread damage to the deep layers of white matter in the brain. White matter in the brain consists of the “tails” of brain cells, which carry out communication to other cells. The gray matter consists of the “heads” of the cells which receive these communications.

The main symptoms of Binswanger’s disease include:

• Progressive deterioration of intellectual abilities
• Progressive deterioration of cognitive and motor abilities
• Progressive memory loss
• Slow and unsteady gait

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There is no known treatment for Binswanger’s disease at this time.  Medications can be given to alleviate symptoms and possibly slow progression of the disease.  These types of medications include medication which control high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, stroke risk, high cholesterol and antidepressant medications.

More information

Binswanger’s Disease Information Page: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
www.ninds.gov

Binswanger’s Disease – NYU Medical Center, New York
www.med.nyu.edu

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