Treatment:

There is no known effective treatment. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. In some cases, rehabilitation is needed for weakness or clumsiness. This can include physical, occupational, or speech therapy.

Occasionally, some patients may benefit from medications that help improve memory, such as those used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Seizures, sometimes called “amyloid spells,” may be treated with anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol).

Expectations (prognosis):

The disorder slowly gets worse but varies from person to person.

Complications:

• Dementia
• Hydrocephalus (rarely)
• Seizures
• Repeated episodes of bleeding in the brain

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a sudden loss of movement, sensation, vision, or speech.