Vascular dementia is the second most common variety of dementia. It is outranked only by Alzheimer’s Disease. However, unlike Alzheimer’s, it is much better understood. Therefore, patients have much broader opportunities to prevent and treat it.
Vascular Dementia and Blood Flow
Put simply, vascular dementia is dementia that is caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain. Such insufficiency may be due to aneurysms or blood clots brought on by poor cardiovascular health, particularly high blood pressure. Chronic reduced circulation to the brain starves it of oxygen, causing brain cells to die off. Over time, this leads to impaired function within the brain’s cortex, the conscious control center of the mind. As a result, critical functions like memory, speech, and muscular coordination are adversely affected.
The most common type of vascular dementia is multi-infarct dementia. An infarct is a medical term referring to strokes. While most of us are familiar with the kind of severe stroke that is noticeable and dramatic in its affect, it is actually more common to have a series of small strokes, also known as transient ischemic attacks, that frequently go unnoticed when they occur. It is their cumulative effect that leads to vascular dementia.
A cure for vascular dementia has not yet been found. However, patients can certainly take steps to reduce their risk. Should they notice signs of the condition, action can be taken to prevent its progression as well as to address any subsequent changes in health or behavior.
Common signs and symptoms of vascular dementia include:
• Confusion, especially at night
• Impaired motor function or lack of coordination
• Walking with a shuffling gait
• Dizziness or poor balance
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Tremors or muscle weakness
• Impaired speech. This can include difficulty recalling words (aphasia) or slurring words
• Personality changes. This may include unexplained crying, irritability, erratic moods, or loss of social skills.
• Hallucinations
Should you notice any or several of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it is imperative that you seek medical attention. A physician can prescribe treatment that halts or at least reduces the harmful impact on the brain by reestablishing proper blood circulation and treating any causative issues. Early detection of vascular dementia and treatment is the best means by which you can reclaim a healthy brain and thus, a longer, healthier life. Vascular dementia.
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