What is cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)?

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a condition where protein builds up in the brain and weakens its blood vessels.

How does CAA affect dementia risk?

A preliminary study suggests that CAA may quadruple the risk of dementia in older adults, with about 42% of those with CAA diagnosed with dementia within five years.

What are the limitations of the CAA and dementia study?

The study relied on administrative diagnosis codes from Medicare claims, which can be imperfect, and did not have access to brain imaging for more precise diagnoses.

Home / Health / Brain Vessel Disorder Quadruples Dementia Risk

Brain Vessel Disorder Quadruples Dementia Risk

3 Feb

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Summary

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) may quadruple dementia risk in older adults.
About 23-29% of individuals over 50 have moderate to severe CAA.
A study tracked dementia diagnoses in nearly two million Medicare beneficiaries.

Brain Vessel Disorder Quadruples Dementia Risk

A common, often asymptomatic brain blood vessel disorder, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), has been linked to a quadrupled risk of dementia in older adults. This condition involves protein buildup that weakens brain blood vessels. Preliminary research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference indicates a significant association between CAA and the development of dementia.

The study analyzed health data for nearly two million adults aged 65 and older covered by Medicare between 2016 and 2022. Participants were categorized based on the presence of CAA and stroke. The findings revealed that approximately 42% of individuals with CAA were diagnosed with dementia within five years, compared to only 10% of those without CAA.

Notably, the elevated risk of dementia persisted even in participants with CAA who had no history of stroke. Researchers highlighted that the incidence of dementia in those with CAA, with or without stroke, was higher than in those with stroke alone. This underscores the importance of screening for cognitive changes and addressing risk factors following a CAA diagnosis.