What is Vascular Dementia?

A lady raised her hand at a caregiver workshop and said that her husband was recently diagnosed with vascular dementia. She wondered how that was different from Alzheimer’s.

Dementia is the big umbrella name for diseases that are neurological and effect our memory and other cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s is the largest sub-category of dementia followed second by vascular dementia.

What is vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is caused when the blood supply to the brain is blocked. It affects a person’s memory and cognitive functioning, which includes our ability to reason, recognize things, and make sound judgement. It tends to affect people between the ages of 60 and 75. it affects more men than women and appears to be related to heart disease, and particularly, high blood pressures.  It can come on gradually or suddenly.  

*Vascular Dementia Symptoms Include:

Memory problems; forgetfulness

Dizziness

Leg or arm weakness

Lack of concentration

Moving with rapid, shuffling steps

Loss of bladder or bowel control

Vascular Dementia Can Affect:

• Slurred speech
• Language problems
• Abnormal behavior
• Wandering or getting lost in familiar surroundings
• Laughing or crying inappropriately
• Difficulty following instructions
• Problems handling money

There is a bit of good news: by doing all you can to prevent heart disease and high blood pressure, you help to prevent vascular dementia. Daily exercise, eating healthy, taking medications prescribed for our conditions, and keeping our brains sharp and engaged are the best ways to prevent vascular dementia and heart disease.

Know the signs of a stroke:

• Brief episodes of numbness
• Temporary loss of vision, speech, or strength may indicate a mini-stroke (TIA) or a stroke.

If you experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately. There are medications when taken early, can help to prevent or deter the effects of a stroke.

The better we educate ourselves, the more empower ourselves. Share this information with family and friends. Vascular dementia is one disease we can help to prevent.

*from Helpguide.org.