Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) is defined as abnormal deposits of beta amyloid protein (a protein similar to that in Alzheimer’s plaques) on the walls of the blood vessels of the brain.
If too much of this protein builds up, blood vessel walls can crack, allowing blood to leak out into the brain. These “bleeds,” large or small, damage the brain, and can cause or contribute to memory loss and other neurological problems. The bleeds can be detected with brain imaging such as MRI.
Researchers don’t yet understand what causes CAA, and there are no treatments available. Because substances that thin the blood may increase bleeding in the brain, people with CAA should check with their doctors before taking prescription blood thinners or over-the-counter pain medicines such as aspirin.
Learn More:
Read Tangled Neuron posts about CAA:
Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and Alzheimer's Disease: Dad's Double Burden
Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and Alzheimer's Disease: Evil Twins?
The MRI every dementia patient should get?
Beta Amyloid in Alzheimer's and CAA: Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?
Microbleeds in memory clinic patients
Can Insulin-Degrading Enzyme Drain Beta Amyloid From Alzheimer's Brains?
Other Resources:
Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Resource
Summary of a study on the prevalence of microbleeds in memory clinic patients
Summary of a study on prevalence of and risk factors for microbleeds in the general population
Summary of a study on CAA and its relationship to Alzheimer’s
