What is Vascular Dementia?
Vascular dementia is a form of dementia caused by damage to the brain’s vascular system. When the vascular system is damaged, blood is unable to reach the brain cells, causing them to die. Vascular damage most commonly occurs in people who suffer from the following conditions; diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The symptoms of vascular dementia and their progression vary from person to person. The following symptoms are particularly common in vascular dementia sufferers; impaired concentration, depression, physical weakness, memory loss and weakness,
epileptic seizures, restlessness and incontinence.
Vascular damage can arise following a stroke, or as an effect of small vessel disease. Vascular dementia can occur following a single stroke or after a number of mini strokes (TIAs). TIAs don’t always cause noticeable symptoms and sometimes only cause temporary symptoms. Vascular dementia arising from small vessel disease, is commonly referred to as sub-cortical vascular dementia, or in it’s most severe form Binswanger’s disease. Walking problems are typically associated with this form of vascular dementia.
Dementia is more likely to develop in the following types of people; type II diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Those with a family history of strokes or dementia, and those from an Indian, Sri Lankan or african Caribbean background are also at a greater risk of developing vascular dementia, as are those who smoke, drink heavily, consume a fatty diet and refrain from exercise.
Although there isn’t a current cure for vascular dementia or a way to reverse its effects, it is possible to slow the disease’s progression. By treating any underlying health problems and adopting a healthier lifestyle, the deterioration of the brain functioning can be reduced. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy can all help those with dementia related brain damage to regain their previous functions.
