Vascular dementia shares many similarities with strokes. Its root cause is poor blood flow in the brain. However, while it is possible for a stroke to contribute to the conditions in vascular dementia, one does not necessarily need to have a stroke to experience ischemic brain damage. One may think of vascular dementia as a chronic stroke: with many smaller events contributing to a progressive condition. It can be caused by microbleeeding, microinfacts, arteriolsclorosis, or any other condition that limits blood supply to brain tissue.
Unlike Alzheimer’s, which is a neurodegenerative disease, vascular dementia occurs as the result of ischemia and hypoxia-induced narcosis of brain tissue. The same factors that may put one at risk for stroke and heart disease also increase the risk for vascular dementia. Factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. The symptoms consist of:
- Confusion
- Trouble paying attention and concentrating
- Reduced ability to organize thoughts or actions
- Decline in ability to analyze a situation, develop an effective plan and communicate that plan to others
- Difficulty deciding what to do next
- Problems with memory
- Restlessness and agitation
- Unsteady gait
- Sudden or frequent urge to urinate or inability to control passing urine
- Depression
If you are concerned you or loved one is suffering from dementia, contact Pathways right away for comprehensive evaluation from our impressive and experience staff!