What is Vascular Dementia?

We hear a lot about Alzheimer's Disease, but there are several other forms of dementia.  Each Tuesday morning, a volunteer with the local "Miles For Memories" joins the 95.3 WBCK Morning Show with Tim Collins.  This week, Sherii Sherban talked about "Vascular Dimentia."

Vascular dementia is a general term describing problems with reasoning, planning, judgment, memory and other thought processes.

 What causes vascular dementia?

Often caused by an acute, specific event such as a stroke or transient ischemic attack in which blood flow to the brain has been interrupted. It also can develop more gradually over time from very small blockages or the slowing of blood flow.

 Caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow to your brain.

• After a stroke blocks an artery in your brain, but strokes don't always cause vascular dementia. Whether a stroke affects your thinking and reasoning depends on your stroke's severity and location.
• Other conditions that damage blood vessels and reduce circulation, depriving your brain of vital oxygen and nutrients.

Factors that increase your risk of vascular dementia risk that can be managed: (Also raise your risk for heart disease and stroke.)

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking

High impact with out wearing an appropriate helmet or anything resulting in a head injury such as a fall from a greater height than your own. (Also risk for neck and back injuries.)

 Controlling these factors, taking adequate safety precausions, may help lower your chances of developing vascular dementia.

• Exercise and diet
• Keeping mind active / learning
• Stay in school until at least 15
• Stay socially active
• Avoid isolation
• Prevent falls / injury
• Stop smoking

How does it differ from Alzheimer’s disease?

Vascular dementia: Statistics vary widely as to the prevalence of vascular dementia, but it's estimated that it affects between 1 percent and 4 percent of people over 65. That percentage doubles every five to 10 years after age 65.

Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer's disease is by far the most common kind of dementia. There are more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. Greatest risk is age followed by, general health, and genetics. One in 9 over 65 currently.

To find out more about research regarding Vascular Dementia join us at the next Miles for Memories Research Update on April 16, 5pm, Kool Family Center.