Dementia resulting from expansion of basilar artery aneurysm: two case reports and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Dementia places a large burden on the economy, with financial and emotional costs incurred by patients, caregivers and the health sector. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report the first published case series of giant basilar aneurysm leading to progressive cognitive and functional decline. We review the literature regarding giant aneurysms and their association with dementia and the possible underlying pathophysiological mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights a number of therapeutic considerations when determining the best management strategy for these difficult lesions.