What is vascular dementia?
Vascular dementia is one of the most common forms of dementia and is caused by damage to the brain due to impaired blood circulation. When the brain does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, important functions such as memory, concentration, and the ability to plan are affected. The condition can occur suddenly, for example after a stroke, or develop gradually due to long-term effects on the brain’s small blood vessels. Many people also have a combination of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Common symptoms of vascular dementia
The symptoms vary depending on which parts of the brain are affected. Therefore, the problems can differ from person to person.
Common symptoms of vascular dementia include:
- Slower thinking and reaction time
- Difficulty planning and organizing everyday tasks
- Problems with concentration and reduced focus
- Language difficulties, such as finding words
- Walking difficulties and impaired balance
- Mood changes such as low mood or irritability
- Memory problems, often in later stages
A typical sign is that the decline occurs in steps – symptoms may worsen suddenly and then stabilize for a period.
Causes of vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is caused by damage to the brain’s blood vessels. This leads to parts of the brain not receiving enough blood. Common causes include stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack), small vessel disease in the brain, repeated small blood clots, and atherosclerosis that narrows the blood vessels.
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood lipids, smoking, overweight, physical inactivity, and various heart diseases such as atrial fibrillation. Treating these risk factors is crucial to reduce the risk of the disease.
Difference between vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s
A common question is the difference between vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In Alzheimer’s, memory problems are often the first symptom. In vascular dementia, it is more common for thinking to become slower, for planning and structure to be affected early, and for walking and balance to change. An uneven disease progression is also more common in vascular dementia.
When should you seek medical care?
You should contact healthcare services if you or a relative experience any of the following:
- Worsening memory or thinking
- Difficulty managing everyday tasks
- Changes in behavior or personality
- Problems with language or orientation
Seek emergency care if you experience sudden symptoms such as facial paralysis, weakness in an arm or leg, speech difficulties, or sudden confusion – these may be signs of a stroke.
Diagnosis of vascular dementia
To make a diagnosis, a dementia assessment is carried out. This may include discussions about symptoms and medical history, memory and cognitive tests, blood tests, and imaging such as CT scans or MRI of the brain . The assessment helps determine the cause and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
Treatment and preventive measures
There is no curative treatment for vascular dementia, but appropriate measures can slow progression and improve quality of life. Common treatments focus on managing high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases, controlling blood sugar in diabetes, lowering blood lipids if needed, and quitting smoking as well as engaging in regular physical activity. Support in daily life is also important and may include assistive devices, clear routines, and adaptations in the home.
Living with vascular dementia
Vascular dementia affects life in different ways depending on the severity of the disease. Some people manage well for a long time with minimal support, while others need help earlier. Early diagnosis is important because it provides better opportunities to treat risk factors and plan for the future. Regular follow-up in healthcare makes it possible to adapt treatment and support as needed.