Vascular Dementia
Vascular Dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.
Vascular Dementia refers to dementia caused by problems with the supply of blood to the brain. The brain, as with other organs in the body, relies on a constant supply of blood in order to function properly. A brain with a poor supply of blood is effectively being denied oxygen, as blood is the principal distributor of oxygen and nutrients for the entire body.
The effects of the poor blood supply result in symptoms of dementia, principally, cognitive dysfunctions such as memory loss, confusion, and thinking/problem solving.
Symptoms of Vascular dementia
The common signs of vascular dementia overlap with the general symptoms of dementia:
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Difficulty communicating
- Incontinence
Given the overlap in symptoms, diagnosing vascular dementia can be tricky. However, looking at a person’s previous medical history can offer some clues. For example, people that have suffered major strokes are at a high risk of developing vascular dementia.
Who is at risk?
Vascular dementia is common in people that have suffered head trauma and strokes. Multi-infarct dementia is the most common form of vascular dementia and is caused by a series of small strokes, referred to as Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA). As they age, people with high blood pressure and diabetes are at a high risk of developing vascular dementia.
It is estimated that around 50% of the cases of vascular dementia are a result of hypertension or high blood pressure.
Heavy drinkers and smokers are indirectly likely to develop vascular dementia as a consequence of their lifestyle. They are likely to have higher levels of cholesterol, which increases the chances of blood clots and plaque forming in their arteries, encouraging stress, hypertension, or heart attack and strokes.
Preventing Vascular dementia.
The best course of action is to avoid a lifestyle that increases your levels of stress and lowers the risk of a stroke.
For those who already suffer from an illness which leaves you vulnerable to heart problems, such as diabetes, the best course is to continue controlling your illness.
Exercise and a balanced diet are the essential foundations to any healthy lifestyle.
Chronic smokers, heavy drinkers and people with weight problems should seek help in controlling their addiction/weight and gradually cut down their dependence and weight.
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Click through to learn about caring for people with Dementia