What is vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is a form of dementia that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted

Vascular dementia is a form of dementia that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, usually due to stroke or other vascular problems. It is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease and can have different symptoms, course and causes compared to other forms of dementia.

Symptoms include memory loss and altered behavior

The symptoms of vascular dementia vary depending on which parts of the brain are affected, but they usually include memory loss, altered thinking, difficulty making decisions, and problems with language and speech. Sometimes the symptoms can come on suddenly after a stroke, while in other cases they can develop gradually over time.

The course of the disease may be more progressive than other forms of dementia

The course of vascular dementia can be more progressive compared to other forms of dementia, especially if it is caused by repeated small strokes or vascular disease. Symptoms may worsen with further strokes or other health problems, making the prognosis for each individual difficult to predict.

The cause of vascular dementia is usually related to blood circulation in the brain

The causes of vascular dementia can be different, but they are usually related to problems with blood circulation in the brain. It can include blockages in the blood vessels that cause stroke, small bleeds in the brain tissue, or damage to the walls of the blood vessels that reduce blood flow. The risk of developing vascular dementia increases with age, as do factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.

Diagnosing vascular dementia usually requires a thorough medical evaluation

Diagnosing vascular dementia usually requires a thorough medical evaluation, including neurological tests and sometimes imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) to assess any damage to the brain.

The treatment of vascular dementia focuses on managing risk factors and preventing further vascular problems

The treatment of vascular dementia focuses on managing risk factors to prevent further vascular problems and to relieve symptoms to improve the quality of life of the affected person. It may include drugs to treat high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, as well as medications to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of future strokes.

 

 

READ ABOUT HOW SENSOREM’S PERSONAL ALARM CAN HELP PERSONS SUFFERING FROM DEMENTIA