Dementia Answers: What Is Vascular Dementia?

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Video Transcript [Answer 1044]

Welcome and thank you for joining me. Today, we're talking about vascular Dementia. This is a type of Dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. The brain requires oxygen and nutrients to function correctly. When blood cannot reach certain areas of the brain, those parts can become damaged, likely resulting in significant cognitive challenges.

Vascular Dementia often happens after a stroke or after many small strokes over time. These small strokes are sometimes called mini strokes, or TIAs, which stands for Transient Ischemic Attacks. A TIA is a brief blockage of blood flow in the brain. It doesn't usually cause lasting damage, but it's a warning sign that a bigger stroke could happen. Another term you might hear is multi-infarct Dementia. This means a person has had many small strokes that slowly cause damage in different parts of the brain. Over time, these seemingly insignificant and almost unnoticeable blood vessel injuries accumulate and can have a lasting impact on brain function.

Common signs and symptoms of vascular Dementia may include poor attention, confusion, trouble walking, mood changes, problems making decisions, and urinary incontinence. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, memory loss may not be the first sign, but it often shows up later.

There is no cure, but treatment may slow the progression and might alleviate symptoms. Medical professionals may recommend managing high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and other cardiovascular conditions. Quitting smoking, eating a healthier diet, getting more active, and taking medications as directed are likely to be strongly advised. If you notice changes in thinking or movement in yourself or a loved one, talk to a medical professional. Getting help early means better planning and better care.

On behalf of the Dementia Society of America®, thank you again for joining me today. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take care of yourself.

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