Fact 3: CAA’s Link to Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive impairment is a significant concern for patients diagnosed with CAA. Over time, the buildup of amyloid proteins can lead to various cognitive symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with thinking and reasoning.
The cognitive symptoms associated with CAA are not sudden; they tend to develop gradually and get worse over time. At first, individuals might experience mild memory problems or have difficulty in performing tasks that require planning or decision-making. As the disease progresses, these cognitive difficulties may increase, affecting the person’s ability to perform daily activities independently.
It is important to remember that the rate at which cognitive symptoms develop can vary widely among patients. Some people might stay in the mild cognitive impairment phase for a long time, while others might experience a more rapid decline. (3)
