West Nile Virus Dementia

A 60 year old friend contracted west nile virus last year. Though he was not
hospitalized, it has had a great affect on him leaving him with extreme fatigue and
an associated dementia...memory loss. He also seems to be a bit more paranoid and his judgement seems a little off.
When his father passed away an autopsy was performed which revealed he had
Alzhiemers.
Is this type of dementia progressive? Does the fact that his father had Alziemers
increase his chances of having it as well given the fact that he already suffers a
dementia from the west nile virus?
What type of tests can be done to shed light on his prognosis?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

West Nile Virus does not cause dementia. But the virus infects the brain and the meninges (coverings of the brain) and causes meningo-encephalitis, the symptoms of which may mimic those of dementia. The patients may also have issues with awareness of the surroundings.

Since his father was suffering form Alzheimer's disease, we may consider the possibility of Alzheimer's in him. Familial Alzheimer's disease is hereditary, but the late onset Alzheimer's disease is not known for its inheritance. But some patients may inherit it from their parents.

Alzheimer's disease is progressive. In the initial stages, the patient has memory loss, confused behavior and loss of judgment. A little later, paranoia develops. Paranoia is a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease. Watch for increased irritability.

The prognosis depends upon the severity of the disease at present and whether appropriate medicines are being given. The stage of the disease can be assessed by conducting certain Neuro-psychological tests. The results of the tests combined with MRI scan of the brain will give a fair idea of the current severity.

Hope this information helps.

Regards

[Dawn318]

I contracted the west nile virus not quite 4 yrs ago. I have these excruciating headaches still from it. i have gotten an MRI it states that I have a small smudgy region of increased T2 intensity due to the west nile. It also says that the cerebellar tonsils are low positioned extending 8 mm below the foramen magnum???? Could that be causing my headaches, and memory loss? By the way I'M only 29yrs/F