Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy

Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a condition where protein deposits build up in the walls of small blood vessels in the brain. Over time, this weakens the vessels and increases the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage, microbleeds, and progressive cognitive impairment.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we support adults recovering from the effects of CAA through our specialist neurorehabilitation service. Whether you’ve experienced a brain bleed or are living with cognitive symptoms, our inpatient care is designed to restore function, manage risk, and improve quality of life.

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What Is Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy?

CAA occurs when a protein called amyloid beta accumulates in the walls of small arteries in the brain. This is most often seen in older adults, particularly those over the age of 60.

As the vessels weaken, they may rupture, causing lobar brain haemorrhages (bleeds in the outer parts of the brain), or leak blood in tiny amounts over time — known as microbleeds. These can lead to:

• Sudden neurological changes (if a bleed occurs)
• Gradual decline in memory, judgement, or balance
• Increased risk of stroke and vascular dementia

CAA is often found alongside other neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.

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Common Symptoms

The symptoms of CAA depend on the extent of vessel damage and whether a bleed has occurred. Possible signs include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Confusion or changes in personality
• Progressive memory problems
• Seizures
• Headaches or visual disturbances
• Speech or language difficulties

In some cases, CAA may be diagnosed following an unexplained lobar intracerebral haemorrhage on a brain scan.

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What Causes CAA?

The exact cause of CAA is unknown, but it is strongly linked to ageing. Contributing factors may include:

• Increasing age (especially over 65)
• History of cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease
• Genetic predisposition
• High blood pressure
• Prior brain trauma
• Vascular inflammation or disease

Unlike many stroke risk factors, CAA is not caused by cholesterol, smoking, or diabetes — though these may be present alongside it.

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Diagnosis

CAA is typically diagnosed through a combination of:

• MRI or CT scans showing lobar haemorrhages, microbleeds, or white matter changes
• Neurological examination and cognitive testing
• Exclusion of other causes of brain bleeds

Definitive diagnosis is usually based on clinical patterns and imaging findings. Brain biopsy is rarely needed.

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Stroke and Cognitive Risk

CAA is one of the most common causes of spontaneous brain haemorrhages in older adults. These bleeds often recur, and patients are also at risk of:

• Vascular cognitive impairment
• Gait disturbance and falls
• Functional decline and frailty

While there is currently no cure for CAA, targeted rehabilitation and careful management can significantly improve quality of life and reduce further complications.

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How We Help at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We provide expert inpatient neurorehabilitation for patients living with:

• CAA-related brain haemorrhage
• Cognitive or physical effects of microbleeds
• Combined vascular and neurodegenerative conditions
• Balance, memory, or functional challenges

Our consultant-led programmes are tailored to individual needs and may include:

• Physiotherapy – to improve mobility, reduce fall risk, and restore balance
• Cognitive rehabilitation – for memory, attention, and executive function
• Occupational therapy – to support daily living and independence
• Speech and language therapy – for communication and cognitive-linguistic issues
• Neuropsychology – for adjustment, emotional support, and planning ahead

Our team works together to help each patient achieve safe, supported progress.

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Who We Support

We welcome adults (18+) who:

• Are recovering from a lobar brain haemorrhage
• Have been diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy
• Are experiencing changes in memory, balance, or independence
• Need post-hospital rehabilitation to regain function and manage risk

To find out more or make an enquiry, please call 01296 678800 or contact us online.

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Why Choose Us?

• One of the UK’s leading private neurorehabilitation hospitals
• Expertise in complex brain conditions and vascular injury
• Structured, daily therapy programmes with consultant oversight
• Calm, well-equipped inpatient environment with 24/7 specialist nursing
• Focus on long-term wellbeing, safety, and independence