Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. While it shares some symptoms - like memory loss and confusion - it has a different root cause and often progresses in a different way. Understanding vascular dementia is essential for early detection, better management, and compassionate support for your loved one.
In this article, we’ll explain what vascular dementia is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and how families can support those living with it.
What Is It?
Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. This lack of circulation damages brain cells, leading to problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.
Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which is linked to plaques and tangles in the brain, vascular dementia is often the result of strokes, small vessel disease, or narrowed blood vessels that limit oxygen-rich blood from reaching brain tissue.
What Causes Vascular Dementia?
Vascular dementia can occur suddenly after a stroke (sometimes called post-stroke dementia) or develop more gradually due to chronic conditions like:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
- Smoking
- A history of mini-strokes (TIAs)
Damage from these events interrupts communication between brain cells, particularly in areas responsible for memory, language, and attention.
👉 Take a look at the NHS's article on the Causes of Vascular Dementia
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms can vary depending on the part of the brain affected. Common signs of vascular dementia include:
- Difficulty concentrating or solving problems
- Memory loss (especially short-term)
- Slowed thinking
- Confusion or disorientation
- Mood changes (depression, apathy, or anxiety)
- Difficulty walking or frequent falls
- Problems with bladder control
Symptoms may worsen suddenly after a stroke or progress stepwise with noticeable declines following new vascular events.
👉 Related reading: Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment: What Comes Next?
How Is Vascular Dementia Diagnosed?
There’s no single test for vascular dementia. Diagnosis usually involves:
- Medical history and symptom review
- Cognitive assessments like the MMSE or MoCA
- Brain scans (MRI or CT) to check for signs of stroke or reduced blood flow
- Blood tests to rule out other causes
A healthcare provider may also assess blood pressure, heart function, and cholesterol levels.
👉 Related reading: What Happens During a Memory Assessment? A Step-by-Step Guide
Is There a Cure?
There’s currently no cure for vascular dementia, but early diagnosis and management of risk factors can slow its progression and improve quality of life.
Treatment often includes:
- Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol
- Managing diabetes
- Quitting smoking
- Staying active (mentally and physically)
- Using medication to reduce stroke risk
How Elli Cares Can Help
Supporting someone with vascular dementia often involves managing their health proactively. That’s where Elli Cares can help.
Our app is designed to support independent living while keeping families connected:
- Reminders for medications, hydration, and medical appointments
- Video reminders to reduce confusion and offer familiar support
- Mood and symptom tracking to monitor changes in wellbeing
- Safe Zones and location alerts to protect against wandering
- Care Team access to keep everyone informed and involved
Vascular dementia may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can support your loved one with confidence and compassion. By managing health proactively and staying connected, you can help slow progression and improve daily life.
At Elli Cares, we’re here to support you through every stage - with tools designed for dignity, clarity, and care.
Related Posts:
