The Alzheimer’s Society (AS) says that the symptoms of vascular dementia can develop suddenly or more gradually.
The charity states: “Some symptoms can be similar to other types of dementia. Memory loss is common in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, but it is not usually the main initial symptom of vascular dementia”.
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AS says that it is common for someone with vascular dementia early experiment mood changes, such as apathy, depression, or anxiety.
He says: “Depression is common, in part because people with vascular dementia they may be aware of the difficulties the condition is causing.
“A person with vascular dementia also may become more emotional in general. They may be prone to rapid mood swings and to be unusually tearful or happy”.
There are also some cognitive symptoms.
These include problems with planning or organization, Difficulty following a series of steps, decreased speed of thought and trouble concentrating, including brief periods of sudden confusion.
The charity says: “Other symptoms that someone with vascular dementia may experience vary between the different types.
Post-stroke dementia is often accompanied by the overt physical symptoms of stroke. Depending on which part of the brain is affected, someone could have paralysis or weakness in a limb.»
He adds: “The symptoms of subcortical vascular dementia vary less. The early loss of bladder control is common”.
The Mayo Clinic says that the symptoms of vascular dementia vary, depending on the part of the brain where blood flow is affected.
The AS says that if the vascular system within the brain is damaged, so that the blood vessels leak or become blocked, then blood cannot reach the brain cells and they will eventually die. This brain cell death It can cause problems with memory, thinking, or reasoning.
“Together, these three elements are known as cognition. When these cognitive problems are severe enough to have a significant impact on daily life, this is known as vascular dementia,” she states.
The charity says that at least 10 per cent of people with dementia are diagnosed with mixed dementia.
He notes: «This generally means that both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disease are thought to have caused the dementia.»
The NHS says that dementia can be difficult to diagnose, especially if its symptoms are mild.
“If your GP has been able to rule out other causes of your symptoms, they will refer you to a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing dementia,” he adds.
Dementia UK says that if vascular dementia is caused by or related to heart disease, diabetes or stroke, changing lifestyle and taking medication to control these conditions can prevent dementia from getting worse.
It adds: «Regular health checks are recommended so that physical health can be monitored and appropriate interventions provided which may include medication for an underlying condition.»
The Mayo Clinic says that the health of your brain’s blood vessels is closely related to the overall health of your heart.
He notes: «Keeping blood pressure in the normal range may help prevent both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.»
Additionally, she says, “Regular physical activity should be a key part of everyone’s wellness plan. In addition to all its other benefits, exercise can help you avoid vascular dementia.»