Vascular Dementia

Dementia is defined as a progressive decline in cognitive function due to damage to the brain. Factors that lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, cause vascular dementia. It is common among the aged but can occur at any stage of adulthood.

It is characterized by dysfunction in any of the areas of the brain such as those dealing with memory, language, attention, and problem-solving. During the initial stages, dementia affects mental functions and later leads to disorientation in time, place, and person.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia and the second most common is vascular dementia. It is also called multi-infarct dementia.

Studies have shown that there is a relation between intelligence and dementia. A child with a lower IQ has higher chances of having dementia in adulthood. If the levels of intelligence of a person are lower during childhood, chances are higher, that he has dementia in later life.

Studies have shown that there is a close association between factors causing vascular diseases and those responsible for vascular dementia. The most common cause of vascular dementia is the blockage of blood vessels that feed the brain. Abnormal heart rhythms or other heart disorders that cause clots in blood vessels can also cause vascular dementia.

If brain cells are deprived of sufficient amounts of oxygen, it may result in vascular dementia. A person's lifestyle (that includes his eating, smoking, and drinking habits) affects the chances of developing this type of dementia. Studies have shown that around half the number of cases of vascular dementia result from hypertension.

Vascular dementia is a degenerative cerebrovascular disease leading to a decline in the brain's functions. It is caused by a series of small strokes that cause damage to the cerebral cortex and hamper cognitive processes like understanding of language, instructions, and memory.

During the early stages, vascular dementia is apparent through symptoms like mild weakness in the limbs, slurred speech, and dizziness. Often, impairment in short-term memory is also seen. These symptoms are not grave and thus, can go unnoticed.

The noticeable symptoms of vascular dementia include difficulties in remembering recent incidents, difficulty following instructions, tendency to get lost in familiar areas, problems with handling money, and loss of control over bladder and bowel movements. Emotional liability is among the other noticeable symptoms.

A persevering behavior, lack of verbal fluency, slowing of one's processing ability and hampered abstract thinking are some of the other symptoms of vascular dementia that are used for its diagnosis. Due to increase in the cardiovascular risk factors, vascular dementia is associated with a higher mortality rate.

Tests to asses one's memory, thinking, and reasoning skills can help in the diagnosis of vascular dementia. Depression tests are also conducted. If the primary screening suggests hampered cognitive abilities, the individual is screened for changes in behavior and reduced ability in performing routine activities.

Neurological exams and blood tests are conducted for further diagnosis. Those who have a history of strokes and those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other risk factors for cardiovascular disorders, are considered to be at a high risk of developing vascular dementia.

Cholinesterase inhibitors such as galantamine have proved to be helpful during random trials but they are yet to become legal for use. Management of cardiovascular risk factors is the best treatment for vascular dementia. Medications that can improve blood circulation to the brain are helpful in reducing the chances of further brain damage.

It is important that minor strokes during the initial stages are paid attention to, and sought the proper treatment for. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers can be administered. In cases where suitable, electroconvulsive therapy is suggested.

The brain damage cannot be reversed. Symptoms can be treated through administration of medication, lifestyle management, and by keeping the risk factors (such as blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels) under control so as to reduce chances of further damage to the brain.

There is no FDA-approved drug for vascular dementia. However, Alzheimer's medicines are known to help.

It is advisable for dementia patients to always carry notes of important names and numbers. People around should be supportive and caring towards them. Patients are advised to do brain exercises. But they should avoid very difficult tasks such as, working in the presence of distractions or taking up mentally challenging activities.

They should maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay away from factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The care and support of family and friends can help them cope with their difficulties.