Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of CADASIL
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
CADASIL: Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy. An inherited form of vascular dementia that strikes relatively young adults of both sexes and is characterized by multiple strokes, dementia, migraine-like headaches, and psychiatric disturbances. CADASIL is due to mutation of a gene called NOTCH3 located on chromosome 19. Also called hereditary multi-infarct dementia.