University of Porto, Department of Neurology publishes research in dementia therapy
2007 AUG 20 -- New investigation results, "Cryptogenic multi-infarcts and cortico-subcortical dementia in a young adult," are detailed in a study published in Journal of the Neurological Sciences. According to recent research published in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences, "Etiology of stroke and dementia in young adults are challenging clinical problems, and these diseases often have devastating consequences. We present a case where a final etiologic diagnosis is not possible, in spite of an exhaustive study." "A 34-year-old man presented with a 5-year history of transient neurological deficits. Examination disclosed a cortico-subcortical dementia, but no other deficits. Laboratory evaluation was unremarkable, including the basic vascular study, homocystein, immunologic study, ACE, serology for Lyme, syphilis and HIV, tests for mitochondrial cytopathy, CADASIL and Fabry's disease, and CSF study. Prothrombotic study was normal except for a heterozygous mutation for factor V Leiden and for methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase. Cardiac exams (electrocardiogram, transesophagic echocardiography and 24 h-ECG) were normal. Cervical and transcranial duplex ultrasound and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)-were normal, except for a hypoplasic right vertebral artery. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed corticosubcortical atrophy and multiple infarcts. The patient was prescribed antiplatelet and statin therapy, and is presently clinically stabilized after 3 years of follow-up, scoring 2 in modified Rankin scale. Differential diagnosis of young onset vascular dementia is wide, including a number of rare sporadic and hereditary diseases. Although our case has a heterozygotic mutation for factor V Leiden, this might not explain the whole clinical picture; furthermore, there is no history of other vascular events, as venous thrombosis. An extensive investigation did not lead to a final etiological diagnosis," wrote J. Guimarães and colleagues, University of Porto, Department of Neurology. The researchers concluded: "Nevertheless, even in these cases prevention with antiplatelet and statin might lead to clinical stabilization." Guimarães and colleagues published their study in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences (Cryptogenic multi-infarcts and cortico-subcortical dementia in a young adult. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2007;257(1-2):255-7). For additional information, contact J. Guimarães, University of Porto, Dept. of Neurology, Hospital Sao Joao, Portugal. The publisher's contact information for the Journal of the Neurological Sciences is: Elsevier Science BV, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands. Keywords: Portugal, Dementia Therapy, Central Nervous System Disease, Dementia. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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