Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is one of the most common types of dementia. In one out of six people with dementia, vascular damage is the primary cause. Vascular dementia is caused by problems in the blood flow to the brain.
How does vascular dementia develop?
Your brain needs oxygen, which is delivered via the blood. When there are problems in the blood flow to the brain, vascular dementia can develop. These circulation problems arise from:
- A transient ischemic attack: During a TIA, the blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted. This typically occurs due to a blood clot that dissolves on its own.
- A stroke: this is the collective term for a cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage. A cerebral infarction occurs when there is a blockage in the brain's blood vessels, caused by a blood clot, vessel narrowing, or both. If a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, it is referred to as a cerebral hemorrhage.
People develop vascular dementia due to a series of small strokes/TIAs or one major stroke/TIA. Many people with vascular dementia have underlying cardiovascular diseases that cause TIAs and strokes.
What are the symptoms of vascular dementia?
Vascular dementia presents various symptoms, depending on which parts of the brain are affected and the severity of the damage. The most common symptoms include:
- Difficulty finding the right words, speaking slower
- General slowness of thought and action
- Trouble concentrating
- Further damage manifests in physical symptoms, such as difficulty maintaining balance, numbness, or paralysis
The progression of vascular dementia
People with vascular dementia can experience sudden declines due to new TIAs and strokes. However, as long as there are no new blood flow disruptions, a person can remain stable for a long time.
There is no cure for vascular dementia yet. Treatment of cardiovascular diseases can help limit damage to the brain's blood vessels. For example, medications for high blood pressure. A healthy lifestyle also plays a crucial role in managing the cardiovascular condition.
Most diagnoses occur between the ages of 65 and 75. Life expectancy varies widely with this form of dementia. People with vascular dementia usually die from cardiovascular diseases, not directly from dementia.
Vascular dementia in a mixed picture
Vascular dementia can also coexist with another form of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. Vascular damage is not the primary cause but occurs alongside other causes of dementia.