What is Vascular Dementia?

Vascular dementia (VaD) occurs either by narrowing or complete blockage of blood vessels in the brain, resulting in the brain being deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Vascular dementia often occurs from a stroke or a series of many small strokes that occur over a period of time.

Statistics of Vascular Dementia

Although not all strokes result in vascular dementia, statistics show that up to one third of those who have a stroke will get vascular dementia within six months or less. Such conditions as high blood pressure and diabetes can lead to vascular dementia because they narrow blood vessels instead of blocking them.

Risk Factors of Vascular Dementia

Some of the risk factors of vascular dementia include increasing age, history of stroke, hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol. Studies show that increasing age is one of the biggest risk factors for vascular dementia. Unfortunately, there is no cure for vascular dementia. If the dementia was a result of multiple strokes, the person’s condition will eventually become worse on the step scale, meaning, there will be stable periods, and then suddenly there will be periods when the person goes from bad to worse.

Life Expectancy of People With Vascular Dementia

The life expectancy of a person with vascular dementia varies with each individual and depends on other medical conditions, the person’s age, and the nature of the cardiovascular problems that caused the dementia. However, if the vascular dementia is bad and the decline is rapid, then the life expectancy of persons with vascular dementia is around five to six years at the most.

Wife assists husband affected by degenerative brain disease such as Alzheimer's, dementia or Parkinson's. This image shows a husband who suffers from a degenerative brain disease and now requires help from his wife with simple tasks like dressing himself.

Vascular Dementia Diagnosis

Typically, the diagnosis for vascular dementia is delayed with males being diagnosed sooner than females. The reason for this is mainly due in part to the fact that elderly women tend to live alone. On the other hand, their counterparts, the elderly men, are more likely to live with a spouse who might notice the signs and symptoms and bring them to the attention of a doctor. However, there is no hard and fast rule to the situations.

How to Prepare for a Trip to the Doctor

When preparing for a trip to the doctor’s, there are a few things you can do to make the trip worthwhile. First of all, you can write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. Also, be sure to write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. You also want to make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking. If possible, ask a family member or friend to come with you for support. Finally, try to write down questions ahead of time to ask your doctor so that you don’t miss anything during your appointment time.