Causes of vascular dementiaVascular dementia can be caused by: Show
The location and size of brain damage determines which brain functions are affected. Types of vascular dementiaStrategic infarct dementiaOne single large stroke can sometimes cause vascular dementia, depending on the size and location of the stroke. Strategic infarct dementia is characterised by the sudden onset of changes in thinking skills or behaviour. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the stroke and what brain functions it affected. Provided no further strokes occur, the person’s symptoms may remain stable or even improve over time. However, if there is other vascular disease also affecting the brain or additional strokes occur, symptoms may worsen. Multi-infarct dementiaMulti-infarct dementia is caused by multiple strokes. It is associated with disease of the brain’s large blood vessels. Often the person does not notice symptoms when the strokes occur. Over time, as more strokes occur, more damage is done to the brain, with reasoning and thinking skills affected to the point that a vascular dementia diagnosis is made. Depending on the location of the brain damage, other symptoms can include depression and mood swings. After each new stroke, symptoms can worsen, then stabilise for a while. Subcortical vascular dementiaSubcortical vascular dementia is associated with disease in the small blood vessels deep within the brain and damage to subcortical (or deep) areas of the brain. It can be caused by untreated high blood pressure or diabetes leading to vascular disease. Symptoms often include:
Subcortical vascular dementia is usually progressive, with symptoms worsening over time as more vascular damage occurs. Diagnosing vascular dementiaNo single specific test can diagnose vascular dementia. A diagnosis is based on the presence of dementia, with vascular disease being the most likely cause of the symptoms. If vascular dementia is suspected, medical tests will be carried out. These may include:
Vascular dementia can be very difficult to distinguish from other forms of dementia, because the symptoms of each type overlap. Also, many people with dementia have both vascular disease and other brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, and therefore have a mixed dementia. Who gets vascular dementiaVascular dementia can happen to anyone, but the risk increases with age. Health and lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of vascular dementia, including:
Treatment and management optionsThere is no single treatment for vascular dementia.
Controlling conditions that affect the underlying health of your heart and blood vessels can sometimes slow the rate at which vascular dementia worsens, and may also sometimes prevent further decline.
Seeking supportSupport is available for someone living with vascular dementia, and their family and carers. This support can make a positive difference to managing the condition and living well. Adjusting to changes in abilities, while maintaining enjoyable activities, is important for wellbeing. Learning about the condition and strategies for living well with dementia can be beneficial for everyone. Further help
Can vascular dementia happen suddenly?Symptoms of vascular dementia can begin gradually or can occur suddenly, and then progress over time, with possible short periods of improvement. Vascular dementia can occur alone or be a part of a different diagnosis such as Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
What causes a sudden onset of dementia?Some possible causes include: Autoimmune diseases (conditions that over-activate the immune system) Unusual presentations of more common neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease) Prion diseases (rare forms of neurodegenerative disease)
What increases the risk of vascular dementia?Factors that increase your risk of heart disease and stroke — including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking — also raise your vascular dementia risk. Controlling these factors may help lower your chances of developing vascular dementia.
What other conditions can cause similar symptoms to dementia?Conditions that may be mistaken for dementia. Delirium. Delirium is a change in mental state or consciousness. ... . Depression. Depression is an illness where you have a continuous low mood and/or a loss of interest and enjoyment in your life. ... . Anxiety. ... . Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) ... . Hormone (gland) conditions.. |