Vascular Dementia: Impact of Blood Flow to the Brain
Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia. While it shares symptoms with Alzheimer’s disease, like changes in cognition, the underlying cause is different. Vascular dementia results from restricted blood flow to the brain, leading to irreversible brain damage.1 Cardiovascular issues—such as strokes, small vessel disease, and hypertension—are the leading risk factors.2
Understanding Stepwise Progression in Vascular Dementia
One defining feature of vascular dementia is its stepwise progression. This means that instead of a steady decline, individuals experience sudden drops in cognitive and physical abilities, often linked to major vascular events like strokes.3 After one of these events, a person may reach a plateau, where symptoms stay stable for a time—until another incident occurs, which can lead to a sharp decline.4 This unpredictable pattern complicates caregiving and planning, as each new change requires adapting to evolving needs.
Symptoms, Diagnosis and Early Detection
Symptoms of vascular dementia can vary widely depending on which regions of the brain are affected by reduced blood flow and how long they are impacted.5 Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which often begins with memory loss, vascular dementia typically starts with neurological changes, such as slower thinking and processing speed that make it harder to follow conversations and impact decision-making abilities. Additionally, problem-solving abilities may decline, and physical changes such as a slower walking pace or unsteady movements may become noticeable.6 While dementia itself cannot be reversed, early detection and proactive management of vascular dementia symptoms can reduce the risk of further cardiovascular events, helping to slow its progression and preserve quality of life.7
Treatment and Management
There is a direct link between cardiovascular health and brain function. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet cannot fully guarantee the prevention of vascular dementia, it significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, thereby lowering the likelihood of developing this type of dementia.8 Post-stroke rehabilitation can also play a vital role in managing vascular dementia symptoms. Through targeted physical and occupational therapy, individuals with vascular dementia can work to retain some of their independence and improve their overall quality of life.9
Vascular dementia presents profound challenges for both those affected and their families. Yet, with ongoing advancements in medicine and technology, there is increasing hope that we can reduce the impact of this condition. By improving early detection methods and refining treatments to prevent further vascular events, we move closer to a future where the effects of vascular dementia are far less devastating than they are today.
If you or a loved one is affected by dementia and would like to connect with others, consider joining our virtual support group, Caregiver Conversations. For more general information and resources, please visit Alzheimer’s Texas or call our 24/7 Helpline at (512) 241-0420.
Austin McKee, MSSW, is the Helpline Specialist and Content Creator at Alzheimer’s Texas. With a Master of Science in Social Work, Austin has extensive experience in geriatric care, including social support and engagement, end-of-life care, and caregiver support. She is passionate about bridging the gap between generations, fostering mutual understanding, and helping people recognize the inherent value and purpose in individuals of all ages, regardless of physical or cognitive changes.
Sources:
- Healthline, What is Vascular Dementia?, Last reviewed February 18, 2022, https://www.healthline.com/health/dementia/vascular-dementia. (accessed August 22, 2024).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, About Dementia., last reviewed June 29, 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/aging/alzheimers-disease-dementia/about-dementia.html (accessed August 3, 2024).
- Alzheimer Society, Vascular Dementia., Last reviewed June 9, 2023, https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/other-types-dementia/vascular-dementia (accessed October 31, 2024).
- VeryWellHealth, The Stages and Progression of Vascular Dementia., last reviewed April 4, 2024, https://www.verywellhealth.com/does-vascular-dementia-have-stages-98765 (accessed November 3, 2024).
- Alzheimer’s Association, Vascular Dementia., 2024, https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia (accessed November 3, 2024).
- National Institute on Aging, Vascular Dementia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments.Last reviewed November 1, 2021. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vascular-dementia/vascular-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments. (accessed on November 5, 2024).
- American Stroke Association, Vascular Dementia., Last reviewed April 13 2024, https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/effects-of-stroke/cognitive-effects/vascular-dementia. (accessed September 3, 2024).
- Alzheimer’s Society, Treatment and Support for vascular dementia., Last reviewed June 21, 2022. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/treatment-and-support-vascular-dementia#content-start (accessed on November 1, 2024).
- American Stroke Association, Vascular Dementia., Last reviewed April 13 2024, https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/effects-of-stroke/cognitive-effects/vascular-dementia. (accessed September 3, 2024).