Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia
is the second most common cause of dementia in older people. Because it has a lower profile than Alzheimer’s, many people don’t suspect vascular dementia when forgetfulness becomes problematic.
Determining the root cause can help determine the best action plan. If it’s vascular dementia, certain lifestyle changes can help prevent further damage. We take a look at vascular dementia, its causes, symptoms and prognosis.
What is vascular dementia?
Vascular dementia is considered the second leading type of dementia. Current estimates attribute 15% to 20% of dementia in older adults to vascular dementia. Because it is hard to diagnose, no one knows the exact number of people with this particular form of dementia.
Compared to alzheimers disease, which happens when the brains nerve cells break down, vascular dementia happens when part of the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients.
Though they happen in different ways, it is possible to have both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Discouraging as this sounds, there is ample reason to bring vascular dementia under control. Allowing the condition to run its course without interference can make Alzheimer’s disease worse.
What causes vascular dementia?
Vascular dementia occurs when vessels that supply blood to the brain become blocked or narrowed, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Strokes take place when the supply of blood carrying oxygen to the brain is suddenly cut off. However, not all people with stroke will develop vascular dementia.
Vascular dementia can occur over time as ‘silent’ strokes reoccur. Quite often, vascular dementia draws attention to itself only when the impact of so many strokes adds up to significant disability. Avoiding and controlling risk factors such as diabeties, high blood pressure, smoking and hyperlipidemia can help curb the risk of vascular dementia.
Catching the condition early may also help stop vascular dementia in its tracks. Early detection requires a delicate balance of watching for symptoms without letting fear take control. Anyone who suspects vascular dementia should visit the gp immediately
Symptoms of vascular dementia
Symptoms of vascular dementia depend on what part of the brain is affected and to what extent. Like Alzheimer’s disease, the symptoms of vascular dementia are often mild for a long time. They may include:
- Problems with short-term memory
- Wandering or getting lost in familiar surroundings
- Laughing or crying at inappropriate times
- Trouble concentrating, planning or following through on activities
- Trouble managing money
- Inability to follow instructions
- Lost bladder or bowel control
- Hallucinations or delusions
Symptoms that suddenly get worse often signal a stroke. Doctors look for symptoms that progress in noticeable stages to diagnose vascular dementia. Alzheimer’sby comparison, progresses at a slow, steady pace. Another clue is impaired coordination or balance and when it becomes apparent. In vascular dementia, problems walking or balancing can happen early. With Alzheimer’s, these symptoms usually occur late in the disease.
