Everything You Need To Know About Vascular Dementia

When a loved one is diagnosed with vascular dementia, you must understand more about the condition to better prepare for the future and advocate for their needs. The first step to getting more familiar with the disease is understanding that not all types of dementia are the same. Instead, dementia is an umbrella term with multiple kinds of dementia falling under it, like vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. 

Whether you are somewhat familiar with vascular dementia or just beginning to learn, here are some facts you need to know as you sort through your options.

What Is Vascular Dementia?

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that the definition for dementia, in general, is a condition marked by a loss of memory, problem-solving, language, and other cognitive abilities. This loss is progressive and interferes with daily life. There are different types of dementia, including vascular dementia.

So, what is vascular dementia? It is dementia caused by brain damage that happens when insufficient blood reaches the brain. Most commonly, vascular dementia occurs in the aftermath of a stroke. However, a stroke does not always result in vascular dementia. Other conditions that affect circulation and blood vessel function can cause vascular dementia.

The risk for vascular dementia increases with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. People who smoke are also more vulnerable to vascular dementia.

You can reduce the risk of vascular dementia by exercising more regularly, quitting smoking, managing diabetes, and eating foods that contribute to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Vascular Dementia Symptoms

Vascular dementia symptoms can vary radically from person to person. It is just one of the reasons why diagnosing vascular dementia can be tricky, especially in the immediate aftermath of a stroke or circulation incident. Often, a stroke causes an emergency where other body parts are also damaged, making a dementia diagnosis more difficult.

Vascular dementia symptoms are also not one-size-fits-all, and symptoms vary based on which part or parts of the brain were affected by poor blood flow. One person with vascular dementia will not always share the same symptoms as another person living with vascular dementia.

However, vascular dementia symptoms can include:

• General confusion, including disorientation to person, time, or place. This can mean the person may be unable to recall their name, what day or year it is, or where they are.
• A short attention span which can make conversations with family or friends quite tricky for both parties. Attention span deficits can also affect daily tasks ranging from making lunch to laundry or showering.
• Poor judgment, which might lead to dangerous behaviors or consequences. For example, wearing a heavy coat on a warm spring walk.
• Forgetfulness, including both short-term and long-term memory loss.
• Anxiety, restlessness, and increased agitation might present themselves in constant pacing around the house, wringing hands, bouts of crying, or even uncharacteristic yelling.
• Incontinence or other toileting challenges.
• Unsteady gait or balance difficulties increase the risk of falling at home or out and about.
• Word-finding difficulties during conversations.
• Depression, increased sadness, or apathy.

Symptoms can show up after a large stroke or cardiovascular accident (CVA) or might increase due to a series of more minor strokes, sometimes called transient ischemic attacks (TIA). In any case, you should talk to your loved one’s physician about any changes in cognition, mood, or behavior you are noticing.

Vascular Dementia Treatment

Regarding vascular dementia treatment, interventions vary from person to person. Your loved one may be prescribed medications to prevent more strokes in the future or prescribed medicines used to reverse constricted blood vessels or other conditions that may cause circulation challenges.

Your loved one may also receive physical, occupational, or speech therapy services to improve balance, word finding, communication, or fine motor skills. It is common to receive these interventions with in- or out-patient treatment after a stroke.

Specialized Vascular Dementia Treatment with Legend Senior Living

In some cases, people with vascular dementia are not safe living at home alone or even with a spouse or family member. Legend of Lititz provides a comfortable and engaging environment that enhances the quality of life and caters to your loved one’s personal preferences.

Legend of Lititz provides just the right amount of assistance to enhance independence while providing therapies for those living with vascular dementia. Purposeful activities, events, and excursions exercise the brain, body, and spirit. These include physical fitness activities, cognitive exercises, and horticulture therapy. 

In addition, the residence is purposefully designed to reduce the risk of falling, promote independence and foster dignity thanks to plenty of natural light, low pile carpeting, wide hallways, and an array of colors.

Residents enjoy personalized assistance from trained caregivers who also assist with daily personal care, including medication management. This is especially important for those who take prescription medication to reduce their risk of further strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol. Family members of residents enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved one is well cared for during a typical day or an emergency.

When your loved one is diagnosed with vascular dementia, it can feel overwhelming. However, learning more about the condition and your solutions can make you feel more empowered to face the future. Call Legend of Lititz to learn more about our services and schedule your visit.