Daily living and health
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is dementia caused by damaged blood vessels in the brain, such as from strokes or small blocked or bleeding vessels. It is the second most common type of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. It can appear with Alzheimer's disease as mixed dementia.
Why it matters for your family
Vascular dementia can start suddenly after a stroke or build slowly. Problems may include slowed thinking, poor planning, and trouble with judgment, with memory less affected early on. Managing blood pressure, diabetes, and heart health may help protect the brain, so families should follow the doctor's plan. A common mistake is thinking it is the same as Alzheimer's. The causes and care can differ, and mixed dementia is common. Caregivers help with routines, safety, and daily tasks. Ask a doctor about the cause, and plan for changing needs. Stroke warning signs need emergency care, so every family member should know them.
Source: alz.org
Related terms
- DementiaDementia is a group of symptoms, not one disease.
- Alzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly harms memory, thinking, and eventually the ability to do simple tasks.
- Chronic conditionA chronic condition is a health problem that lasts a year or more and needs ongoing medical attention, limits daily activities, or both.
- Dementia careDementia care is support for people with memory loss and other thinking problems that disrupt daily life.
- Fall riskFall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt.
- Care planA care plan is a written plan that lists a person's needs, goals, tasks, schedule and who does what.
