Binswanger Disease Health Article

Recovery and rehabilitation

Although currently no cure exists for dementias such as the Binswanger type, the goal of therapy is to maintain the highest state of physical health by managing the symptoms, along with maintaining the highest possible state of functional activity and well being. In addition to physical and occupational therapy, treatment for mood swings or depression helps the person with Binswanger disease to remain active, socially engaged, and mobile for as long as possible.

When the disease progresses and mobility, along with mental ability, decreases, the person with Binswanger or

other dementias will likely require a nurturing environment that provides for medical care and safety. Whether at home or in a care facility, personal care assistance may be necessary for many or all hours of the day.

Many communities have adult daycare centers with targeted, stimulating activities for persons with dementia in the early stages. Long-term care facilities that specialize in dementia can provide an environment that fosters mobility in a soothing environment, where staff provides cues to orient the person with dementia to memories and surroundings.

Clinical trials

Research on a wide range of neurological diseases, including dementias, is conducted by agencies of the National Institutes of Health such as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and other institutes and research organizations such as the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Mental Health. As of November 2003, scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke are reevaluating the definitions for many forms of dementia, including Binswanger disease.

Prognosis

Because there is no known specific cure for Binswanger disease, in most cases the disease follows a slowly progressing course during which a patient may suffer progressive strokes interspersed with periods of partial recovery. Once symptoms become visible (manifest), persons with Binswanger disease often die within five years of the onset of the disease.

OTHER

BBC News: Health and Medical Notes. "Binswanger's Disease." April 12, 1999. (November 13, 2003 [June 1, [2004].) <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/317488.stm>.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)/National Institutes of Health. "Binswanger's Disease." November 8, 2002. (November 13, 2003 [June 1, 2004].) <http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/binswang_doc.htm>.

ORGANIZATIONS

Alzheimer's Association. 919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611-1676. (312) 335-8700 or (800) 272-3900; Fax: (312) 335-1110. info@alz.org. <http://www.alz.org>.

Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR). P.O. Box 8250, Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250. (301) 495-3311 or (800) 438-4380; Fax: (301) 495-3334. adear@alzheimers.org. <http://www.alzheimers.org>.

Family Caregiver Alliance. 690 Market Street / Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94104. (415) 434-3388 or (800) 445-8106; Fax: (415) 434-3508. info@caregiver.org. <http://www.caregiver.org>.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at the National Institutes of Health. P.O. Box 5801, Bethesda, MD 20824; (301) 496-5751 or (800) 352-9424; TTY (301) 468-5981. braininfo@ninds.nih.gov. <http://www.ninds.nih.gov/>.

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). 55 Kenosia Avenue, Danbury, CT 06813-1968. (203) 744-0100 or (800) 999-NORD; Fax: (203) 798-2291. orphan@rarediseases.org. <http://www.rarediseases.org>.

Paul Arthur