ABSTRACT
This chapter considers memory disorders in cerebrovascular disease. It reviews memory disorders related to cerebrovascular disease which has been classified in terms of a particular arterial system in the brain. The chapter also considers memory disorders associated with vascular lesions which have been defined in terms of damage to specific anatomical structures. It assesses evidence relating to memory functioning in episodic cerebrovascular disturbance. The chapter examines the studies which have attempted to improve memory functioning in patients with cerebrovascular disease. A cerebrovascular disturbance has frequently been postulated as underlying transient global amnesia, and it is possible that cerebral atrophy reported in the CT scans of some patients represents diffuse cerebrovascular disease. The most frequently used surgical procedure to improve memory functioning in patients with cerebrovascular disease has been carotid endarterectomy. This procedure consists of exposing the carotid bifurcation in the neck, opening the carotid artery and removing the offending atheromatous plaque.
