Vascular Dementia
Vascular Dementia
What is vascular dementia?
Vascular dementia refers to changes to memory, thinking, and behavior that occurs when blood flow to the brain is reduced, and brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Vascular dementia is considered the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for up to 30% of cases.
What are the causes of vascular dementia?
Any condition that damages the brain’s blood vessels can lead to vascular dementia. These “vascular risk factors” include:
- Age
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes or high blood sugar
- Smoking
- Little or no physical exercise
- Unhealthy diet
- Obesity
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Hardening of arteries anywhere in the body
Appointment Information
For more information or to make an appointment, call 734-764-6831.
What are the symptoms of vascular dementia?
Symptoms begin gradually or can occur suddenly, and then progress over time, with possible short periods of improvement. A person with vascular dementia may experience:
- Trouble following instructions or learning new information and routines
- Reduced ability to organize thoughts
- Problems with memory
- Changes in personality, behavior, and mood, such as depression, agitation, and anger
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Physical stroke symptoms such as weakness, speech changes, or trouble walking
How is vascular dementia diagnosed?
Vascular dementia is diagnosed after a thorough evaluation, which includes:
- A discussion of symptoms (including any history of strokes)
- A physical exam, including neuropsychological tests
- Diagnostic testing, including a brain scan to look for vascular changes
Sometimes vascular dementia is difficult to distinguish from Alzheimer’s disease. In many cases, a person may have both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This is referred to as mixed dementia.
How is vascular dementia treated?
Unfortunately, there are no treatments that can reverse the damage that has been done to the brain after it has occurred. However, physical therapy can help if there is weakness or trouble walking. Medications and lifestyle changes reduce the risk of additional vascular injury to the brain. Medications used to treat Alzheimer’s disease may also be helpful for early form of vascular dementia.
Follow these steps to reduce the risk of developing vascular dementia:
- Don’t smoke
- Keep a healthy blood pressure, cholesterol level, and blood sugar
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise
- Get a sufficient amount of good quality sleep
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol consumption
Patient Resources
More information about vascular dementia can be found at:
- The Alzheimer’s Association website or by calling 800-272-3900
- The National Institute on Aging website or by calling 800-438-4380
- The American Stroke Association or by calling (888) 478-7653
- The American Heart Association or by calling (800) 242-8721
Locations
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Geriatric Neurology Clinic | East Ann Arbor Health & Geriatrics Center 4260 Plymouth Rd
Level 1
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2700Get Directions
Doctors
Judith Lynn Heidebrink, MD
Clinical Professor
Neurology
Steven Gregory MacDonald, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Neurology
Henry Lauris Paulson, MD
Professor
Neurology
Tanav Anand Popli, MD
Clinical Instructor
Neurology
Navid Seraji-Bozorgzad, MD
Clinical Associate Professor
Neurology, Internal Medicine
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