“Vascular dementia is a silent killer because it’s insidious, and you don’t know it’s happening.”
-Judith Viorst
What is Vascular Dementia?
Understanding the Basics of Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by brain damage due to impaired blood flow in the brain.
It affects memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. It’s one of the most common types of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.
What Causes Vascular Dementia?
The risk factors for vascular dementia are the same as those for stroke: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle.
That said, any kind of stroke can increase an individual’s risk for vascular dementia, with some types causing more lasting impairment than others.
In some cases, a combination of multiple smaller strokes may cause vascular dementia.
How Does Vascular Dementia Affect the Brain?
When a person experiences compromised or blocked blood circulation to their brain, it can lead to cell death in two ways — either through lack of oxygen or by not getting rid of waste products quickly enough.
This damages the delicate nerve tissue responsible for thinking and memory functions within the brain leading to various impairments associated with dementia.
Different Types of Vascular Dementia
There are several different subtypes or ‘stages’ of vascular dementia in which symptoms can vary depending on what parts of the brain are affected and how extensive any damage is.
Some examples include multi-infarct dementia which is caused by multiple small strokes throughout different areas in the brain and Binswanger’s disease which is caused by widespread narrowing and hardening in large sections of the brain’s vessels leading to poor oxygen supply all over.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Vascular Dementia
Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms
Vascular dementia can affect a person’s thinking, behavior, and emotions as well as their ability to perform everyday activities. Common symptoms include:
Memory Loss and Forgetfulness
The brain needs adequate blood flow to create memories, so memory loss is one of the most significant signs that something is wrong.
People may register things they are told or see but quickly forget them, or they may be easily confused.
Also, moments such as where you left something or why you came into a room can become hard to remember.
Difficulty Planning and Organizing
People with vascular dementia often have difficulty managing day-to-day activities.
This can mean anything from confusion about how to complete simple tasks such as cooking a meal or organizing their finances, to getting lost in places they should know well.
Mood Swings and Personality Changes
Changes in mood, personality, or behavior can range from mild to extreme.
In some cases, people with vascular dementia might become depressed, anxious, or angry while others can become apathetic never wanting to do anything at all.
Physical Symptoms
Vascular dementia not only affects cognitive functioning but physical health too. These are some common physical signs of vascular dementia:
Loss of Balance and Coordination
If the brain isn’t receiving the right amount of oxygen it can keep the body from controlling movements properly leading to problems with balance when walking or climbing stairs, shaky hands when trying to write, or spilling drinks during meals.
Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Language
People cannot often find words when speaking due to difficulty retrieving information which makes it very hard for them (and those around them) to communicate effectively.
Additionally, understanding language becomes increasingly difficult over time – this includes both reading comprehension and listening comprehension.
Vision Loss or Impairment
Vascular dementia can also cause vision problems ranging from blurry vision when looking at objects up close (for example reading) to completely losing vision in one eye (or even two).
In addition, people may find that their eyes cannot adjust correctly between different light settings making driving difficult if not impossible.
Vascular Dementia Risk Factors
Age and Genetics
Vascular dementia can happen to anyone at any age, but the chances of developing it increase with age.
As people grow older, their bodies become less able to repair damaged brain cells meaning that a stroke or other form of brain injury can have a more lasting effect.
Genetics is also a factor as certain genes are linked with an increased risk, while some families have a history of the condition running in them.
Risk Factors for Developing Vascular Dementia
Risk factors that raise the chance of developing vascular dementia include having certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and leading an inactive lifestyle.
Making healthy choices can significantly reduce risk.
Hereditary Factors
Hereditary factors play a role in vascular dementia because some people are born with abnormalities in their blood vessels which can lead to reduced blood flow in the brain and therefore impaired cognitive functioning over time.
Additionally, if you have family members who have been diagnosed with the condition then your chances of experiencing it too could be higher than average.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions increase the risk for vascular dementia due to either damaging blood vessels or increase the likelihood of strokes occurring within the brain.
These include high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, and atherosclerosis (hardening/narrowing of arteries due to plaque build-up).
Keeping these well managed via medication, diet or exercise is important for reducing risk.
Vascular Dementia vs Alzheimer’s
Understanding the differences between vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s is key to providing the best treatment and care possible.
Although both are forms of dementia, many differences between them need to be taken into account when determining how to approach the situation.
What is the Difference between Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are two distinct types of dementia with different characteristics and causes.
Understanding these differences is important for accurately diagnosing a person’s condition to provide appropriate treatment.
Types of Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder which means it involves damage and deterioration of neurons in certain parts of the brain leading to memory loss and cognitive decline over time.
Vascular dementia, on the other hand, is caused by reduced blood flow in certain areas due to damaged blood vessels or blocked arteries.
Symptoms and Progression
Symptoms differ slightly between VaD and AD, but generally include difficulty with speech, language, planning tasks, and organizing thoughts.
Furthermore, progression differs too; AD symptoms tend to develop slowly while VaD symptoms may appear suddenly after a stroke or medical event such as head trauma.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis for both diseases involves gathering information about a person’s medical history and physical exam results.
Scientists have suggested that risk factors such as high cholesterol levels may be common between VaD and AD patients.
Additionally, treatment often consists of medication along with lifestyle changes such as physical exercise or regular mental activities depending on severity.
Vascular Dementia Treatment Options
Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow in the brain due to damaged blood vessels or blocked arteries.
Treatment for this condition often includes medication and lifestyle changes such as exercise and dietary modifications.
Here are some of the most common treatment options available.
Medications
Medication can be used to reduce symptoms and slow down the progression of vascular dementia.
The most commonly prescribed medications include cholinesterase inhibitors, which help improve thinking skills, as well as blood thinners which might prevent further blockage of arteries, and antidepressants which can help address any depression that may be associated with the condition.
Cholinesterase inhibitors
Cholinesterase inhibitors work by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in communication between nerve cells in the brain.
These drugs have been shown to improve cognitive functioning in patients with mild-to-moderate vascular dementia.
Blood Thinners
Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin or aspirin can also be prescribed if there is evidence they could help reduce risk factors such as stroke or heart attack.
However, it’s important to recognize that these carry their risks and should only be taken under medical supervision.
Antidepressants
Depression is sometimes associated with vascular dementia, so antidepressant medications can be used to try and alleviate some of the symptoms associated with this disorder.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed because they tend to cause fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants and generally have fewer interactions with other drugs.
Lifestyle Changes
Although medications are an important part of treating vascular dementia, lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, dietary modification, and engaging in cognitive activities should also be considered for more positive long-term health outcomes.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Engaging in regular aerobic exercise not only improves overall physical health but its been proven to benefit mental well-being too due to increased blood flow around the body including to the brain.
Additionally, physical therapy might help those who experience problems walking or difficulty moving around due to muscle weakness caused by VaD.
Dietary Changes
Certain dietary changes may reduce risk factors such as atherosclerosis (hardening/narrowing of arteries) which could lead to improved cognitive functioning over time; some research suggests that limiting sodium intake could reduce hypertension while increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids could improve coronary artery function resulting in better circulation throughout the body including within the brain.
Cognitive and Social Stimulation
Mental stimulation via puzzles, board games, or even conversation helps keep neurons active so regular social interaction is essential for improving cognition too; joining support groups for people living with VaD provides additional emotional support as well as being a great source of knowledge on how others manage their condition effectively.
Find out more about dementia here.