Vascular dementia
(Content reproduced with permission from the Alzheimer Society of Canada)
What is Vascular Dementia?
Vascular Dementia (VaD), also called multi-infarct dementia, occurs when the
cells in the brain are deprived of oxygen. A network of blood vessels called
the vascular system supplies the brain with oxygen. If there is a blockage in
the vascular system, or if it is diseased, blood is prevented from reaching
the brain. As a result, cells in the brain die, leading to the symptoms of dementia.
After Alzheimer's disease, VaD is the second leading cause of dementia.
When Alzheimer's disease and VaD occur at the same time, the condition is called
mixed dementia.
How does Vascular Dementia affect the person?
Stroke and Vascular Dementia
Stroke is a common cause of VaD. A stroke occurs when blood flow in the brain
is blocked. When this occurs, the brain cells are deprived of oxygen and die.
Strokes can be large or small, and can have a cumulative effect (each stroke
adding further to the problem). Depending on the specific brain areas deprived
of oxygen, strokes can affect the person's ability to walk, can cause weakness
in an arm or leg, slurred speech or emotional outbursts. VaD may also develop.
VaD usually has a sudden onset. Impairment may occur in steps, where functioning
can deteriorate, stabilize for a time and then deteriorate again. The cognitive
symptoms may vary, affecting some areas of the brain more or less than others
(e.g., language, vision or memory).
Binswanger's disease
Binswanger's disease is a less common form of VaD that is caused by damage to
blood vessels deep in the brain's "white matter." High blood pressure
plays an important role in Binswanger's disease.
How is Vascular Dementia assessed?
If VaD is suspected, the doctor will often order scans of the brain in order
to check for blockages or narrowing of blood vessels in the brain.
What are the risk factors for Vascular Dementia?
Both men and women can be affected by VaD. Risk factors for VaD include:
• over age 65
• having high blood pressure (hypertension)
• heart disease
• diabetes
Smoking, being overweight, having elevated cholesterol levels and a family
history of heart problems may also increase the risk of stroke, which increase
the risk of VaD. Mini-strokes (sometimes referred to as transient ischemic attacks
or TIAs) are warning signs that a stroke may be imminent. Temporary loss of
vision, speech, strength or brief episodes of numbness may indicate a TIA.
Knowing the risk factors for VaD is important because often they may be treated
to reduce the risk of stroke. Risk factors can be reduced by adopting a healthy
lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, eating well, avoiding smoking
and reducing stress. Medications can control high blood pressure, diabetes and
heart disease.
Is there treatment?
After a person has a stroke, medication may be prescribed to improve blood
flow to the brain and reduce the risk of further stroke. A person may also benefit
from different therapies to help with movement and speech, such as physiotherapy,
occupational therapy or speech therapy. Aside from the treatment of the underlying
causes of VaD such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, some physicians
routinely recommend the use of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors.
For more information:
• Call your local
Alzheimer Society.
• Visit the Heart and
Stroke Foundation website.
(The contents of this document are provided for information purposes only,
and do not represent advice, an endorsement or a recommendation, with respect
to any product, serve or enterprise, and/or the claims and properties thereof,
by the Alzheimer Society of Canada. The Information Sheet is not intended to
replace clinical diagnosis by a health professional.)
|
