What To Know About Vascular Dementia

Oct 18

Key Takeaways:

Discovery Is Detailed: Finding vascular dementia involves many tests, including mental testing, brain imaging, and other brain tests. These tests help correctly tell it apart from other illnesses.
Symptoms Vary: Symptoms are different based on which parts of the brain are affected. They can include memory loss and slow thinking, or physical problems like having trouble walking and going to the bathroom.
Creating a Care Plan : Taking care of dementia patients includes medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and support for family caregivers. A good care plan can help both patients and their families.

Vascular dementia is a type of memory loss that happens when the blood flow to parts of the brain is reduced, often due to strokes or other blood vessel problems. This can make it hard for a person to think clearly, remember things, or even control their emotions. Caring for someone with vascular dementia is difficult because their symptoms can change suddenly, and they might need help with everyday tasks and managing mood swings, which can be stressful for both the person and the caregiver. Thankfully, there are resources to help.

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Causes Of Vascular Dementia And Who Has A Higher Risk Of Getting It

Vascular dementia happens because of issues that damage or reduce blood flow to the brain, taking away important oxygen and nutrients.2 Understanding the causes and risks is important for discovering the disease early and taking care of it as quickly as possible.

Causes Of Vascular Dementia

One main cause of vascular dementia is having a stroke, which leads to brain cell death because of blocked or burst blood vessels. Another cause is small vessel disease, which damages the brain's small blood vessels and slowly makes thinking skills worse.1

Brain bleeding, caused by high blood pressure or abnormal blood vessels, can damage brain tissue.3 Additionally, issues like atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries due to buildup) and vasculitis (swollen blood vessels) can disrupt the flow of blood to the brain, leading to vascular dementia.4

Things That Can Increase The Risk Of Vascular Dementia

Things that can lead to higher chances of getting vascular dementia include age, especially after 65, and heart and blood problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which damage blood vessels. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, not being physically active, and having a poor diet can also lead to issues that can lead to dementia.4

Medical history also plays a role, with history of previous strokes, mini-strokes, or atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) increasing the risk. A family history of strokes or vascular disease may make people more likely to develop vascular dementia.4

Signs Of Vascular Dementia

Signs of vascular dementia can be different based on how much the brain is damaged and which parts are affected.

Mental Symptoms

Mental signs of vascular dementia include memory loss, especially with short-term memory, though it's usually not as severe as it is in Alzheimer's disease. People often have trouble planning and organizing, which affects their decision-making and problem-solving skills. Slowed thinking can lead to big delays in taking in information, making it difficult to have conversations. Having trouble paying attention and concentrating can make it hard to do daily tasks.2

Mood And Behavior Symptoms

Mood and behavior changes in vascular dementia include depression, where individuals often experience big changes in mood. Lack of excitement and a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy are also common. Sudden mood swings can range from being slightly irritable to intense crying. Additionally, becoming confused more often can lead to behavior changes.4

Physical Signs

Physical signs of vascular dementia include trouble walking, unsteady steps, or falling down a lot. These happen because changes in the brain impact how the body works. Bladder problems may also occur as the brain areas that control the bladder are impacted.

Also, stroke-like symptoms can appear, causing muscles to become weak, slurred speech, and problems seeing. Patients can also lose their ability to balance and stay coordinated, making daily activities harder. These signs show how vascular dementia affects the whole nervous system.4

Finding And Labeling Vascular Dementia

Knowing someone has vascular dementia involves a complete test to identify the causes of mental decline, so other types of dementia can be ruled out. The following steps are commonly used:

Medical History and Physical Exam: Doctors ask about symptoms, medical history, and family history. They also perform a physical test to check for signs of stroke or other health issues.
Mental Tests: These tests check memory, thinking skills, problem-solving, and the ability to pay attention, to see how well the brain is working.
Brain Imaging: Scans like MRI or CT are used to look for changes in the brain, such as strokes, small vessel disease, or other damage.
Neurological (Nervous System) Exam: This exam tests muscle reflexes, strength, coordination, and other things related to the nervous system.
Laboratory Tests: Blood tests can help rule out other causes of symptoms, such as infections or not having enough important vitamins.2

Progression Of Vascular Dementia

The progression of vascular dementia varies a lot based on how much brain damage there is and where the damage is located. Generally, it progresses just like a staircase, with periods of being stable followed by sudden declines. This means that a person may stay the same for a while and then suddenly get worse.4

Early Stages

Mild memory problems start to show up, along with difficulties in planning and paying attention. Behavior changes like lack of interest and depression may appear, changing personality and mood. Early treatments during this phase can help slow down the growth of the disease.

Middle Stages

Mental issues get worse, making daily activities harder and leading to major memory loss. Physical signs become more noticeable, with walking difficulties, unsteady steps, and bladder problems creating daily challenges. These symptoms often require more care and support.

Late Stages

Severe mental decline leads to intense memory loss and an inability to recognize loved ones. Physical disabilities get worse, and bladder problems and frequent falls become normal. Patients usually need 24/7 care at this stage.

Management And Treatment Options For Vascular Dementia

Currently, there is no cure for vascular dementia, but management and treatment plans aim to slow it down and ease symptoms. A good treatment plan may improve quality of life and help patients stay independent for as long as possible.2

Medical Treatments

Medication for vascular dementia focuses on managing health issues that add to it and preventing further damage. Controlling blood pressure helps reduce the risk of vascular damage, and blood-thinning drugs like aspirin prevent blood clots that could lead to strokes.

Other medications, like statins, lower cholesterol levels to stop arteries from becoming too thin. Medicine that can help with memory, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists — mainly used for Alzheimer's — can improve memory and thinking in some patients. Treating other health issues, like heart disease and atrial fibrillation, is also important to prevent further heart and blood vessel damage.4

Life Modifications

Life changes for vascular dementia include changing eating habits, like starting a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, which is full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support brain health. Regular exercise helps keep the blood flowing, reduces stroke risk, and boosts overall health. Quitting smoking can greatly reduce vascular damage and improve heart health, and drinking less alcohol can help lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of stroke. Together, these changes provide better blood and brain health.4

Mental Health Treatments

Mental health treatments offer valuable support for those with vascular dementia. Mental recovery uses exercises to help patients create plans for managing memory loss and improving problem-solving skills. Job training and therapy help with daily activities and change living situations to make them safer. Mental health therapy and support groups provide emotional support to both patients and family caregivers, helping them deal with the challenges of dementia. Together, these treatments help improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers. To help with organizing mental health treatments, consider exploring the resources offered by the Building Better Caregivers program.

Family Caregiver Support

Caregiver support is very important for those caring for people with vascular dementia. Education and training give family caregivers the knowledge they need to understand the illness and provide the right support.

Respite care services offer temporary relief, allowing family caregivers to take breaks and rest, and support groups provide a place to share experiences and advice, helping caregivers feel less alone. Additionally, access to mental health resources is important, so caregivers can stay healthy while managing their responsibilities.4

Supporting A Loved One With Vascular Dementia

Caring for a loved one with vascular dementia can be challenging, but a supportive and smart approach can help set them up for success. Here are some key tips for good caregiving:

Be Understanding And Compassionate

Building understanding and compassion starts with learning about vascular dementia, its symptoms, and its stages to better understand your loved one's needs and how to respond the right way. Be patient, expect mental and behavior changes, and respond with kindness rather than frustration.

Make sure to communicate, listen to their concerns, and provide comfort when needed. Realize that their actions come from the illness and not personal feelings, and always show compassion. By creating a supportive setting, you help them feel valued and understood.4

Creating A Safe Situation

Creating a safe situation for someone with vascular dementia involves making some changes at home to prevent falls and accidents. You can install grab bars in the bathroom and other places where extra support is needed, improve the lighting to make sure all areas are well-lit, and remove dangerous things like loose rugs that might cause tripping.

Making daily routines easier can help lower overall confusion and anxiety. This can be done by setting up an easy-to-follow schedule, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and keeping items that are used a lot within easy reach. These changes can help create a safe and supportive home, promoting independence and health.4

Clear And Careful Communication

The best way to communicate with someone who has vascular dementia is to talk clearly and calmly, using simple words and keeping eye contact. Give instructions one step at a time and wait patiently for them to respond.

Use non-verbal cues like facial expressions and movements when words are not enough, and encourage them with smiles or gentle touches to create a calm and comfortable environment. By being patient and paying attention, you can make it easier to communicate and support someone who has vascular dementia.4

Managing Behavior Changes

Managing behavior changes in someone with vascular dementia involves changing their attention when they feel upset or confused. You can do this by having them do calming activities, like listening to music or looking through photo albums.

Pay attention to what makes them upset to find patterns and try to avoid these triggers. Keep their surroundings and daily routine normal to lower anxiety and offer gentle encouragement and comfort to help them feel safe and less frustrated. By being patient and understanding, you can handle challenging behaviors in the right way.4

Seeking Help And Support

Seeking help and support is very important when caring for someone with vascular dementia. Joining support groups lets you connect with other caregivers, share ideas, and get emotional support, and doctors can help make sure you get the right help and come up with a care plan that fits your loved one’s needs. Also, don’t hesitate to use respite care services, which give you a temporary break and time to rest. Having a support network makes you stronger and helps you stay healthy.4

Read also:

Frequently Asked Questions About Vascular Dementia

What causes vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia happens when blood flow to the brain is reduced by health issues like stroke, small vessel disease, or hardening of arteries. These issues stop the brain cells from getting enough oxygen and nutrients, which causes problems with thinking and memory.

Who is most at risk for vascular dementia?

People over 65, those with heart problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes, and those with a family history of stroke have a higher risk of vascular dementia. Unhealthy life choices like smoking and not being active can make this risk even greater.

Can changes to the way we live our life reduce the risk of vascular dementia?

Yes, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking can greatly lower the risk of vascular dementia. It is also important to manage issues like high blood pressure or diabetes to keep the risk down.

What are the early signs of vascular dementia?

Early signs of vascular dementia include mild memory loss, trouble with planning, and lower concentration. People may also experience mood changes like depression and a lack of care.

Is there a cure for vascular dementia?

There is no cure for vascular dementia, but early treatment with medications and lifestyle changes can help slow it down. The main goal is to improve comfort and manage the symptoms.

How do doctors know when someone has vascular dementia?

To look for vascular dementia, doctors look at medical history, do mental tests, and use brain imaging to check blood flow. Blood tests also rule out other possible causes of memory problems.

What symptoms make vascular dementia different from Alzheimer's disease?

Both include memory loss, but vascular dementia often has a step-like decline in thinking skills and movement problems. Issues with attention and concentration are also more easily seen in vascular dementia than they are in Alzheimer’s disease.

Sources:

Vijayan M, Reddy PH. Stroke, Vascular Dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease: Molecular Links. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016 Sep 6;54(2):427-43. doi: 10.3233/JAD-160527. PMID: 27567871; PMCID: PMC5793908.
“Vascular Dementia - Vascular Dementia.” NHLBI, 28 September 2022, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/vascular-dementia.
“Brain Bleed (Intracranial Hemorrhage): Causes & Symptoms.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14480-brain-bleed-hemorrhage-intracranial-hemorrhage.
“Vascular dementia - Symptoms & causes.” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vascular-dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378793.

Maggie Reed