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Vascular Dementia Explained

Vascular dementia, also called, "Multi-Infarct" dementia, is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's Disease, occurring in approximately 15 – 35% of all the cases of dementia.

The development of vascular dementia occurs when parts of the vascular system, such as small blood vessels in the brain which carry oxygen and nutrients, are blocked by blood clots or fatty deposits, causing parts of the brain to be damaged. "Multi-infarct" is a more clinical term that refers to the multiple areas in the brain that have been impacted by the disease.

Risk Factors For Vascular Dementia
Persons at risk for developing vascular dementia would be those with a current or past history of high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol levels, diabetes or heart attacks. All of these known risk factors make it one of the more preventable forms of dementia. Unfortunately, like the other dementias, Vascular dementia currently has no cure.

Symptoms of Vascular Dementia
There are a wide range of symptoms for vascular dementia, including:

• difficulties with planning and concentration
• getting lost in familiar surroundings
• memory problems (but not always)
• problems with daily activities
• unusual behaviors
• inappropriate crying or laughing
• physical issues(often seen with strokes) such as
  • weakness in extremities
  • speech difficulties
  • slurred speech
• emotional or behavioral changes
  
• frustration, depression & anxiety concerning an awareness of their condition

Differences between Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
Vascular dementia is different than Alzheimer's Disease because Vascular dementia often has an abrupt onset versus the slow beginnings of Alzheimer's symptoms. In addition, the physical issues such as body weakness in Vascular dementia are in contrast with the usual lack of physical complaints with Alzheimer's. A final difference between the two diseases is the greater range of emotional issues that often comes with Vascular dementia.

The average age of onset of Vascular dementia is 65 while the risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease increases significantly with age. At age 65, a person has a one in 10 chance of developing Alzheimer's Disease but that risk climbs to one in 3 persons by age 85.
It is important to note that Vascular dementia can occur with Alzheimer's Disease. If a person has both types of dementia, this is often referred to as "mixed dementia."

Treatment Options
Although Vascular dementia is unique in that we know how it occurs and how to prevent it yet no one knows how to cure it.

If Vascular or Multi-infarct dementia is suspected, it is vital to get checked out by a physician immediately. One of the tests the physician most likely will perform is an MRI, since the actual brain damage by loss of the blood supply can be seen in this test. By knowing which parts of the brain have been affected, it will help the caregivers know what type of further symptoms and disease progression are likely.

For more information about Vascular dementia, please visit these websites: Alzheimer's Association, and National Institute on Aging (fact sheet).

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