What is vascular dementia? Early signs, stages, types, and treatment

Knowledge Center

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s. It is often caused by conditions that disrupt or restrict blood flow to the brain such as a stroke. This can affect memory, reasoning, thinking, and behavior. Vascular dementia can also result from other conditions that affect blood vessels and reduce circulation to the brain such as diabetes. It can occur by itself or alongside another form of dementia.

Diagnosing vascular dementia

To diagnose vascular dementia, a doctor may assess any changes in an individual’s thinking and behavior, and whether it is affecting their ability to carry out daily activities. This could include conducting memory or thinking tests. They may also look into an individual’s medical history, conduct other examinations to test coordination, reflexes, and strength, as well as carry out brain imaging to check for blood vessel damage. However, it can be difficult to distinguish vascular dementia from other forms of dementia because of the similarities in symptoms.

What are the symptoms of vascular dementia?

The symptoms of vascular dementia vary based on the part of the brain that has been affected by the loss of blood flow. However, unlike Alzheimer’s, the most prominent symptoms of vascular dementia tend to involve speed of thinking and difficulties with problem-solving which tend to be more noticeable than memory loss.

Some common symptoms of vascular dementia are:

Problems with decision-making or problem-solving
Trouble with planning or following steps
Difficulties concentrating
Slowed thinking
Reduced ability to decide what to do next
Restlessness
Depression
Problems with memory
Difficulties communicating and finding the right words

Symptoms and their development vary based on whether the vascular dementia can be clearly linked to a stroke or even a series of smaller strokes. This can make the process different from the progressive decline (linear) that often occurs with Alzheimer’s. The progression of vascular dementia is often described as a fluctuating decline (stepwise). However, vascular dementia can also occur at the same time as Alzheimer’s.

Causes of vascular dementia

Vascular dementia can be caused by a stroke, or multiple strokes, which damage blood vessels in the brain and interrupt the flow of blood and oxygen to it. However, strokes don’t always cause vascular dementia. It can also result from other conditions that affect blood vessels and circulation that affect blood flow and delivery of oxygen to the brain. The severity, number, and location of the stroke(s) are factors that will influence which brain functions are affected and the risk for dementia. Untreated high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes can increase a person’s risk of vascular dementia.

The 7 stages of vascular dementia

How long an individual will experience each one of the 7 stages of vascular dementia can vary. Some people experience relatively slow progression between stages, whereas for others this can be more rapid.

1. Normal behavior

In the first stage of vascular dementia, people will not show any changes in their behavior. This often makes it difficult to catch vascular dementia early. Despite there being no noticeable symptoms, changes in the brain have already started happening, such as damage to the blood vessels.
2. Very mild cognitive decline

In the very early stages, you may notice mild confusion in someone with vascular dementia. This could include forgetfulness, but will most likely begin with confusion and difficulties with problem-solving.
3. Mild cognitive decline

The third stage of vascular dementia is a mild cognitive decline in which symptoms become more noticeable. This stage can last for many years, however symptoms include difficulty paying attention or concentrating, increased confusion, difficulty organizing thoughts, planning, communicating, slower thinking, and memory loss. Vascular dementia symptoms can also occur suddenly after a stroke, or they can appear gradually.
4. Moderate cognitive decline

In this stage, symptoms become more prominent and affect an individual’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or handling money. They may often find it difficult to recall activities that they recently completed.
5. Moderately severe cognitive decline

The fifth stage of vascular dementia is considered late-stage dementia. While a person with stage five vascular dementia may be able to complete daily living tasks, they may struggle with getting dressed or remembering things such as their address or phone number.
6. Severe cognitive decline

In the sixth stage of vascular dementia, individuals will need daily supervision and will often no longer be able to live independently. Caregiving responsibilities will include helping them to eat, drink, wash, use the bathroom, dress and move around. They will often experience severe changes in personality and behavior that can be challenging to manage.
7. Very severe cognitive decline

People with late-stage dementia will require around-the-clock care and supervision. They will struggle to communicate or act independently, and improving their quality of life will become the main priority.

Is vascular dementia hereditary?

In most cases, vascular dementia is not hereditary. However, underlying health issues that can increase a person’s risk of vascular dementia can be passed on from one generation to another. This can include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying physically active are therefore important for preventing vascular dementia.

Is there a cure for vascular dementia?

There is no cure for vascular dementia, however, there are many options for treating the condition that can slow its progression. One of these is medication, which prevents additional strokes and reduces the risk of brain damage. Another is to treat risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol by making healthy lifestyle changes. This may also help to reduce the risk of further strokes or vascular brain damage.

The most important thing to consider when caring for or supporting an individual with dementia is that the care is person-centered. This means that it should focus on them specifically – including their personal history, relationships, preferences, and needs – rather than just on their condition.

There are a number of person-centered activities and therapies that can help a person living with dementia maintain their abilities and quality of life. Such as occupational therapy, or meaningful activities that help with cognitive stimulation.

The Tovertafel, for example, is a great tool for helping stimulate cognitive activity. Developed specifically for seniors living with dementia and other audiences such as children with special needs, the Tovertafel works by projecting interactive lights onto flat surfaces in the form of games. The games are scientifically proven to stimulate physical activity, social interaction, and cognition. This helps promote moments of happiness and connection for people living with dementia and those caring for them. Many care facilities and caregivers worldwide are already experiencing what the Tovertafel can do to help families engage with their loved ones and improve their well-being.

How to deal with (vascular) dementia as a family member?

Caring for someone with dementia can be difficult. However, learning about the condition, as well as receiving the right support can make a huge difference in helping to manage the condition.

Some caregivers find that support groups are a great help, enabling them to share their concerns, questions, experiences, and tips. Many organizations have in-person and online support groups for people with vascular dementia and their loved ones.

There are also lots of ways that care institutions and caregivers can help improve the quality of care and life for those living with vascular dementia. Such as daily physical activity, social interaction, and more. Tools such as the Tovertafel can be instrumental in increasing positive emotions and helping make day-to-day life happier, brighter, and easier for people living with vascular dementia and those who care for them.

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