Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia (also called multi-infarct dementia), is the second most common form of dementia (20-30%). It is most commonly caused by multiple strokes and, occasionally, by a single stroke. Stroke occurs when blood flow in the brain is blocked by a blood clot in an artery or when an artery bursts. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and die. People who have a large stroke will experience difficulties such as paralysis on one side of the body, speech and language problems or difficulties with coordination and movement. Some small strokes may just cause a 'funny turn' or not be noticed at all. However, each stroke is contributing to a build-up of damage to the brain, which can cause dementia.
Smokers, people with high blood pressure, highs level of fat in their blood or people with diabetes have more of a risk of developing vascular disease.
Symptoms of vascular dementia are very similar to Alzheimer's disease. However, distinguishing features include neurological symptoms including weakness, clumsiness or altered sensation in the limbs or face.
Some of the abilities lost in people with Alzheimer's disease may remain relatively unaffected in people with vascular dementia, since the condition affects the brain in a patchy fashion. Symptoms can remain steady for a while and then suddenly decline. People with vascular dementia may understand what is happening to them, more so than those with other forms of dementia, which can make them prone to depression.
Vascular dementia is diagnosed by looking at the way the condition began and how it has progressed, together with evidence of stroke(s) or impaired blood supply on a brain scan. It is common to have both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
