Summary

Introduction: In 2019, the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci was commemorated at the Chateux du Cloux, France. According to historical records, Leonardo lived the last years of his life with paralysis in his right hand, attributed to a probable cerebrovascular accident (CVA), which affected his ability to undertake new pictorial projects. This work describes the last years of Leonardo's life, reviews his health history and his probable neurological illness, its possible etiologies and its consequences. Development: Leonardo arrived in France in 1516 at the invitation of King Francis I to lead the Renaissance and complete his personal training. In 1517 he was visited by Cardinal Luis of Aragón, and his secretary recorded in his diary that Leonardo was affected by paralysis of his right hand. Some authors suggest a stroke as a probable cause, especially because according to the historian Vasari, Leonardo lived his last years in a disabled condition. It is suggested that his status as a vegetarian could have played a role as a risk factor for stroke. However, an undated drawing by Figino shows Leonardo with a peripheral type paralysis of the right hand, opening the differential diagnosis. Conclusions: there is not enough information to assess the type and cause of Leonardo da Vinci's neurological disease, however, it significantly influenced his interaction with his disciple Francisco Melzi and his patron Francisco I, a fact that contributed to his legacy lasting until today.