What you need to know about vascular dementia

When receiving a dementia diagnosis, it is common to experience a range of emotions such as shock, disbelief, stress, hopelessness and sometimes relief. Some may struggle to deal with these emotions and may feel afraid about the future and the impact the diagnosis will have on them and their loves ones.

What is vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is the 2^nd most common type of dementia, however, there are different types of vascular dementia.

A subcortical vascular dementia is thought to be the most common type. It is caused when thick walls develop, become stiff and twisted in the tiny blood vessels that lie deep in the brain. When this happens, blood cannot travel through the veins quickly, they get deprived of nutrients and oxygen and will eventually stop working.

Stroke related vascular dementia is caused by a stroke, when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off. In most strokes, the blood vessels in the brain will narrow and is blocked by a clot. In other instances, it is caused by blood vessels bursting and bleeding into the brain but this is less common.

Multi-infarct dementia occurs when someone suffers a series of smaller strokes that can include a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Sometimes, people may not realise that they have had the small strokes. Smaller strokes also block blood vessels but are cleared within a few minutes by itself or with medical treatment. This means that the blood supply is interrupted for a shorter amount of time but will still require medical attention.

Mixed dementia is where a person will have more than one type of dementia.

Symptoms of vascular dementia

Symptoms of vascular dementia are clearer when they occur suddenly after a stroke. Like other types of dementia, the symptoms of vascular dementia often overlap with other types of dementia. The most significant symptoms tend to involve the speed of thought and problem solving, rather than memory loss. Other symptoms are difficulty with organisation and making decisions on what to do next, confusion, memory problems, trouble concentrating and a decline in the ability to plan and understand situations.

Getting a diagnosis

Dementia of any kind is diagnosed with a series of tests with a specialist. It is no different for vascular dementia and it is important that anyone who has developed a regular issue with memory or thinking to speak to their GP.

Risk factors and prevention of vascular dementia

The risk factors are the same as strokes and heart disease. This can include getting older, a history of strokes, mini strokes or heart attacks, high cholesterol and blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity and an abnormal heart rhythm.

There is currently no cure for vascular dementia or to reverse loss of brain cells, but treatment and prevention can sometimes help slow its progression down.

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, being more physical and controlling diabetes are just some ways to reduce the risk of vascular dementia.

Supporting someone with vascular dementia

When diagnosed with vascular dementia, it is common that family and friends step in to support their loved ones with physical and emotional support. Coming to terms with the diagnosis is difficult for the person and their loved ones. Talking about it and starting to plan for the future  can help alleviate the worry and fear. Understanding how each person feels can make the person feel more confident that the right decisions will be made in the future.

Finding out as much as possible about vascular dementia from the diagnosis is essential. This will allow for the best plan for care to be made as the condition progresses. Talking to those involved in the care such as healthcare professionals will help you be more informed about the condition.

If you are supporting someone with dementia, it will be important to recognise that it is a big responsibility. It is important that you are not ignoring your own needs and taking care of yourself. There is a lot of support that is available for you such as from the local council and organisations such as Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s Society.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare we can help support you and your loved ones with our expertise in delivering dementia care at home. We know that being diagnosed with dementia can have a huge emotional, social, and psychological effect on both the person living with Dementia and their family. Therefore we ensure specialist care in the comfort of one’s own home.

Contact or email us info@cavendishhomecare.com to see how we can assist you.