What is vascular dementia?

Although there are seven diseases in the term dementia, there are two that tend to be more frequent. The one with the highest number of sufferers is Alzheimer’s, the second most frequently is vascular dementia. What is this pathology and what are its characteristics?

Vascular dementia can be caused by various conditions that interrupt blood flow to the brain. One of these could be stroke, known as hit.

It is a condition that causes memory, thinking and behavior problems in people. Vascular dementia is the second most common dementia diagnosis after Alzheimer’s and can develop alone or together with another form of dementia.

Vascular dementia: causes and symptoms

It is necessary to clarify that not all people who have had a stroke will develop vascular dementia. This will depend on the extent and number of incidents the patient has had and the regions of the country brain who were hit at that time.

As explained by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, vascular dementia can also be the product of other impeding problems Blood circulation and the supply of oxygen to the brain, such as narrowing of the arteries.

Some of the causes for this could be high blood pressure or a condition of diabetes Without control or treatment, high cholesterol for many years of life or frequent increases in heart rate.

The symptoms that people experience when suffering from this type of dementia are difficulty carrying out tasks that were previously very easy, such as making a mathematical account or read a book and understand it; forget the day or moments of the past; constantly losing things; getting lost on the street, even in the neighborhood they have always lived in, and experiencing changes in their sleep.

Also, it is normal for them to start having some changes in theirs Humorthey become short-tempered, angry, agitated, or show signs of depression.

How is vascular dementia diagnosed and treated?

Doctors start by asking what problems are occurring in the daily activities, which usually also constitute the reason for the consultation. You will most likely want to talk to someone close to the patient, such as a child, grandchild, partner or friend. You can also see your medical history and whether you have had a stroke.

Of course, he will then order tests and imaging studies. such as CT or MRI scansto see some peculiarities of the brain.

Treatment for vascular dementia focuses on preventing future strokes with several medications to lower blood pressure. blood pressure or blood thinnersat the same time it is recommended to lead a healthier life whether in nutrition, exercise or stress levels.

To date there is no cure in the world capable of eliminating the damage that a hit or several conditions have already caused in a person’s brain. There’s no going back either. progressive effect of dementia. In the case of vascular dementia, patients often need assistance with different tasks and this can help with physical and intellectual rehabilitation.