Vascular
dementia refers
to dementia that is caused by cerebrovascular disease (i.e.,
damage to the body's heart, lungs and/or blood vessels). It
may be caused by a single stroke
or aneurysm or
by a series of smaller strokes or aneurysms (multi-infarct
dementia).
Vascular dementia is the second most common
form of dementia, after Alzheimer's
disease. It is different from Alzheimer's in that symptoms
may arise suddenly (e.g., after a stroke), whereas Alzheimer's
tends to develop slowly, over years. Symptoms may include
confusion and recent memory problems, but also getting lost
in familiar places, trouble with incontinence, difficulty
handling money, and emotional problems such as inappropriate
laughing or crying.
The most important risk factor for vascular
dementia is high blood pressure (which increases risk for
strokes overall). It is rare for someone without high blood
pressure to develop vascular dementia.
While damage from previous strokes cannot
be reversed, the individual can be treated to reduce the risk
of further strokes. Most of the risk factors (high blood pressure,
diabetes and high cholesterol) can all be controlled with
proper diet, good health habits, and medication. Doctors also
sometimes prescribe aspirin,
which helps thin the blood and prevent clots that may cause
further strokes.
Further Reading:
Article : "VASCULAR
DEMENTIA"
by Catherine E. Myers. Copyright © 2006 Memory Loss and the Brain |