What you need to know about vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.
People with vascular dementia have problems with reasoning, judgment, and memory.
These symptoms can appear suddenly or they could be mild at first and gradually worsen.
It can be challenging to diagnose because it can occur together with Alzheimer’s and the symptoms can vary from case to case.
We explain what vascular dementia is, common symptoms, how it compares to Alzheimer’s, risk factors, and treatment options.
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What is vascular dementia?
Vascular dementia is a condition that causes a decline in cognitive function.
It’s caused by a blockage or lack of blood flow to the brain – often from stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Lack of oxygen and blood can damage the brain, even in a short period of time.
Vascular dementia symptoms
Vascular dementia symptoms can vary. It depends on which part of the brain is affected and how serious the damage is.
Generally, symptoms include:
Problems with short-term memory
Trouble concentrating, planning, or following through on activities
Trouble managing money
Not being able to follow instructions
Wandering or getting lost in familiar areas
Sudden symptoms after a stroke Vascular dementia symptoms are usually the most obvious after a major stroke. Symptoms that suddenly get worse often signal another stroke.
Post-stroke changes include:
Confusion and disorientation
Vision loss
These cognitive changes often happen along with physical stroke symptoms, like sudden headache, difficulty walking, or numbness or paralysis on one side of the face or body.
Gradual symptoms from mini-strokes or TIA Multiple small strokes or other conditions that affect blood vessels often cause gradual changes in cognitive function.
Early signs include:
Impaired planning and judgment
Trouble finding the right words
Difficulty in social situations
Reduced ability to pay attention
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Vascular dementia vs Alzheimer’s
Vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s are not the same disease, but it’s possible to have both at the same time.
In fact, the most common form of mixed dementia (more than one dementia at the same time) is vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s.
When that happens, the person could have symptoms of both types of dementia.
Here’s how they’re different.
Vascular dementia:
Alzheimer’s:
No known cause
Symptoms typically worsen at a slow, steady pace
Impaired coordination or balance usually happens late in the disease
Risk increases with age
Vascular dementia risk factors
A high risk for stroke is closely associated with risk for vascular dementia. 25 – 33% of strokes are thought to cause some amount of dementia.
Vascular dementia is more common in people aged 60 to 75 and is more likely to occur in men than women.
Common vascular dementia risk factors include:
Age – it’s rare before age 65, risk rises significantly in the 80s and 90s
Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
High cholesterol
Heart or blood vessel disease
Hardening of the arteries
Smoking
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Abnormal heart rhythm
Vascular dementia treatment and life expectancy
There is no cure for vascular dementia, but the earlier it’s diagnosed, the better chance there is of reducing the impact and severity of symptoms.
Lifestyle changes The goal of vascular dementia treatment is to improve the conditions that may be causing it.
Lifestyle changes can help prevent further damage and slow the progression of symptoms.
Your older adult’s doctor will help create a plan to lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
They’ll also encourage a healthier diet and regular exercise to prevent clogged arteries, heart attack, and stroke.
Stopping smoking, reducing the use of alcohol, and keeping diabetes well-controlled also reduces damage from vascular problems.
Drugs to treat vascular dementia There aren’t any FDA-approved drugs that treat symptoms of vascular dementia.
But certain drugs approved to treat Alzheimer’s may help to boost memory and cognitive abilities.
Life expectancy Like other types of dementia, vascular dementia shortens life span. But catching it early and preventing further damage is the best treatment.
If the conditions that cause vascular dementia aren’t treated, the outcome isn’t good.
Vascular dementia disease progression isn’t always visible. Someone may seem fine without treatment…until another stroke takes away more brain function.
Without treatment, vascular dementia usually causes death from stroke, heart disease, or infection.
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By DailyCaring Editorial Team