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Vascular Dementia: Introduction
Did You Know
Although there are no medications currently approved for the treatment of vascular dementia specifically, cholinergic medications used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease appear to work well for persons with vascular dementia.
Vascular dementia is a brain disorder that is characterized by memory loss and difficulty solving problems and making decisions. Vascular dementia often develops after a person has suffered a stroke. This particular form of vascular dementia is sometimes called multi-infarct dementia.
How Common is Vascular Dementia?
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease (Merck, 2007). About 20% of all people with dementia have some vascular dementia. It has been estimated that 1.5% of the population in Western countries like the United States have vascular dementia. Vascular dementia is most common in people over age 60, and the risk of developing vascular dementia increases with age (Alagiakrishnan and Masaki, 2007). Additionally, individuals are much more likely to develop vascular dementia following a stroke than at other times.
Subtypes of Vascular Dementia
Subtypes of vascular dementia include multi-infarct dementia and Binswanger's disease. The symptoms and progression of vascular dementia are slightly different depending on which subtype a person has.
Relationship Between Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
Many people have a combination of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In fact, having a combination of strokes and Alzheimer's disease is more common than having either Alzheimer's alone or having vascular dementia alone.
More About Causes and Symptoms
Causes, risk factors, and symptoms of vascular dementia are somewhat different than other forms of dementia. Follow the links below to learn more.
More About Diagnosis and Treatment
Approaches to diagnosis and treatment of vascular dementia are similar to those for other forms of dementia. Follow the links below to learn more.
Suggestions for Caregivers
Caring for someone with vascular dementia is challenging. Because so many cases of vascular dementia result from stroke, caregivers may also have to assist their loved ones with physical tasks if they are impaired following the stroke.
Also, the so-called stepwise progression that occurs in many people is a challenge for caregivers. Caregivers may find that their loved ones are doing "fine" for a period of time, or that they may even seem to be getting somewhat better, then their symptoms may suddenly worsen overnight. Usually this happens when the person suffers from another stroke, sometimes one so small that it is physically undetectable. Understanding the disease and knowing what to expect is the best thing that caregivers can do to be prepared.
View References Merck and Company. Dementia. August 2007. Available at http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec16/ch213/ch213c.html. Retrieved March 31, 2009.Alagiakrishnan K, Masaki K. eMedicine. Vascular Dementia: Introduction. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/292105-overview. Retrieved March 31, 2009.
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Resources
Source:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Description:
This web page discusses multi-infarct dementia (dementia caused by multiple strokes) and its treatment and prognosis. It also provides links to current research and supporting organizations.
Source:
Alzheimer's Society (United Kingdom)
Description:
This website provides an easy-to-read discussion of vascular dementia including its cause, symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and the different types of vascular dementia.
Source:
UCSF Memory & Aging Center
Description:
This web page provides a thorough discussion of vascular dementia including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Vascular dementia is compared to other forms of dementia.
Source:
Alzheimer's Association
Description:
This web page provides a brief description of vascular dementia including symptoms and treatment. It describes the type of vascular dementia that occurs after a single major stroke, and the type that becomes evident over time as a result of very small strokes, called “multi-infarct dementia.”
Source:
eMedicine by WebMD
Description:
This article, written from a medical perspective, provides an in-depth discussion of vascular dementia, including pathophysiology, causes, and all aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
Source:
Mayo Clinic
Description:
This series of web pages provides comprehensive introductory level information on Vascular Dementia. Included are signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, screening and diagnosis, and treatments
Source:
National Institute of Health
Description:
This fact sheet provides an introduction to the most common form of vascular dementia, and briefly discusses symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and research. 