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Does CADASIL cause panic attacks? If so, what are some ways to deal with this if you are suffering with it?
Persons with CADASIL have a higher rate than average of behavioral/psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, irritability etc… Panic attacks are a form of anxiety and thus can occur in CADASIL. We would treat panic attacks or anxiety in persons with CADASIL the same way we would treat them in someone who does not have CADASIL. Primary care doctors, neurologist and particularly psychiatrists and therapists often have expertise in treating anxiety disorders including panic attacks.
Is restless leg syndrome (RLS) correlated with CADASIL? If so, what are some things to help prevent this?
To our knowledge, there is no link between CADASIL and RLS. RLS can be sporadic or have a partial genetic etiology. Common sporadic causes of RLS are low blood iron or low blood ferritin levels. In some cases, there is a genetic predisposition to RLS and it can run in families. If a person has RLS, they should be evaluated by a neurologist.
Are there any vitamins or supplements that can help with the effects of CADASIL?
To our knowledge, there is no evidence that any vitamins or supplements can help with CADASIL. Most CADASIL experts would recommend a heart healthy lifestyle, such as the one recommended by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Life’s Essential 8,” https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8. These include eat better, be more active, quit tobacco, get healthy sleep, manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar, and manage blood pressure.
Is there a relation between stomach or intestinal issues and CADASIL?
Not currently to our knowledge, although there is a new field of research on the gut microbiome, the immune system, and brain disorders. The relationship between the gut and the brain is an increasing area of exciting research.