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Vascular Dementia

What is Vascular Dementia?

Vascular dementia is a form of dementia which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain – with vascular relating to arteries and veins within the body. This lack of blood flow can be caused by strokes or multiple mini-strokes known as TIAs (Transient Ischaemic Attacks)

Unlike some other forms of dementia, progression of the condition can be slowed down by targeting some lifestyle or other medical factors such as high blood pressure/cholesterol or problems with the heart’s rhythm.

It is however, chronic and tends to get worse over time, even when slowed down. Any damage to brain cells can’t be reversed prior to identification of the disease.

There are 4 sub-types of vascular dementia:
– Subcortical
– Stroke-related
– Multi-infarct
– Mixed Dementia

Symptoms

As with other forms of dementia, symptoms may be similar to other conditions or types of dementia. It is also common for people with vascular dementia to also have Alzheimer’s – as such some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s may be present. Click here for further information on Alzheimer’s.

  • Slow mental ability and though
  • Poor sleep or changes of sleep pattern
  • Poor planning, understanding and concentration
  • Poor mobility and balance
  • Disorientation, confusion and low mood (stress, depression and anxiety)
  • Language problems – such as forgetting words
  • Getting lost or forgetting familiar routes

Diagnosis

Some of the symptoms of vascular dementia may seem like those a lot of people develop with age, such as forgetting things or having difficult concentrating or a lack of mobility. People with the condition may not recognise they have it but others around them might start to notice changes. Generally diagnosis will start with a conversation with a GP who can request blood tests to rule out other causes of symptoms. After this, specialist teams can carry out cognitive memory tests, MRI or CT scans to detect any abnormalities in the brain.

It is important that, if you or someone you know displays any signs or symptoms which are worrying that you contact your GP immediately.