HealthTree Blog

The link between blood clots, also known as brain embolisms, and dementia-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, is currently being studied in greater detail. If a link is definitively established, it may lead to more and better treatment or prevention methods for this condition.

It has already been established that cerebro-vascular attacks or CVAs, more commonly known as strokes, are caused by blood clots in the brain. More severe strokes manifest themselves in the usual symptoms—slurred speech, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, and others. However, some people suffer “mini-strokes”, very mild CVAs, some of which may not manifest any symptoms at all. The effects of these mini-strokes do show up in the brain, though.

It is also known that certain medical conditions can lead to a heightened risk for both severe and mini-strokes. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, among others. Treatment for these and other diseases which may cause the formation of blood clots can prevent Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, or at least slow the progress of Alzheimer’s. They cannot, however, affect a cure, as no cure currently exists for Alzheimer’s.

The studies that have already been done on Alzheimer’s patients and the blood clot link have already proven that many Alzheimer’s patients did show evidence of having suffered previous brain embolisms. It is because of these results that increased attention is being given to the possibility of a link between Alzheimer’s and blood clots.

When seeking a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s, as a result of symptoms appearing, patients or loved ones might want to mention any strokes or other instances when blood clots may have been present in the brain. This disclosure can help health care professionals in their assessment of the patient for dementia or Alzheimer’s.