What are the treatments for the condition?

There are no known treatments for senile amyloid angiopathy. However, treatment is needed when an intracerebral hemorrhage occurs. Treatment often involves the use of medications such as mannitol to reduce the pressure within the brain. An individual with large bleeding episodes may benefit from craniotomy, which is brain surgery, to remove the blood in or around the brain. Medications are also used to treat seizures if they occur.

Other treatment depends on the type of brain damage or disability the person develops. For example, a person may need a device to help him or her walk, such as a cane or walker. Others may need around-the-clock nursing care to help them eat, bathe, and dress.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

All medications have possible side effects. For example, mannitol can cause allergic reactions and salt imbalances. Surgery carries a risk of further bleeding, brain damage, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Treatment depends on the person's medical problems and disabilities after the bleeding episode. Because senile cerebral amyloid angiopathy cannot be diagnosed for certain before death and no treatment is available, further treatment is based on the person's current needs. People usually get gradually worse with each episode of bleeding.

How is the condition monitored?

The person should seek immediate attention if any of the symptoms of bleeding into the brain occur. Other monitoring is based on the person's needs and disabilities.