Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. It causes a decline in thinking skills, and can be brought on by a reduction of blood flow to the brain. Some experts refer to the condition as vascular cognitive impairment, and it is believed to be under-diagnosed.

What is Vascular Dementia?

When blood flow to the brain is restricted, changes in thinking can occur. This happens suddenly when a stroke blocks major blood vessels in the brain. It can also occur gradually as a result of multiple minor strokes or other conditions that affect small blood vessels in the brain. These create cumulative damage that affect thinking over time. The effects can range from mild to severe.

Vascular dementia can be diagnosed with other types of cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s disease or Lewy body dementia. It is important to receive proper medical care and diagnosis to ensure quality treatment for any brain disorder.

How is Vascular Dementia Treated?

There are currently no drugs specifically approved treat vascular dementia. However, clinical trials show that some Alzheimer’s medications may offer benefit to people who have vascular dementia.

The best course of action is to control risk factors that may increase the likelihood of damage to brain vessels. This can postpone or prevent additional damage to the brain, and it can improve outcomes for people who have vascular dementia.

Work with a doctor or medical professional to determine a plan, but the following general strategies for heart and blood vessel health are also good for your brain:

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Don’t smoke
• Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Get aerobic exercise
• Control your blood sugar
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol consumption

Learn more about Parc Provence

At Parc Provence, our expert team in trained in every aspect and every stage of memory care. We are here to help our residents and their families with support and care at every turn. Contact us today to see what the highest quality memory care can mean for your family. We’d love to schedule your tour.