Chronic Illness Literacy
What is CADASIL?
A clear, human overview of CADASIL, how it shows up in families, and where to get help.
CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy) is a rare genetic condition that affects the small blood vessels in the brain.
Understanding the Basics
CADASIL is caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene and is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means if one parent has the condition, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms typically begin in adulthood and may include:
- Migraine headaches (often with aura)
- Recurrent strokes or stroke-like episodes
- Cognitive decline and memory problems
- Mood changes and depression
- Difficulty with executive function
How It Shows Up in Families
Because CADASIL is genetic, it often affects multiple generations of a family. Understanding your family health history is an important first step in recognizing patterns that might suggest CADASIL.
Getting Diagnosed
If you suspect CADASIL in your family:
- Talk to your doctor about your family history
- Genetic testing can confirm a CADASIL diagnosis
- MRI imaging may show characteristic changes in the brain
- Specialist consultation with a neurologist familiar with CADASIL
Living with CADASIL
While there's currently no cure for CADASIL, there are ways to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life:
- Regular medical monitoring
- Management of vascular risk factors
- Support for cognitive and emotional health
- Connection with other families affected by CADASIL
Support and Resources
The Goodyear Foundation was founded in part because of our family's experience with CADASIL. We're here to help connect you with resources, support networks, and information.
Need support? Contact us or explore our CADASIL Support Program.
This resource is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific situation.
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