Vascular dementia, the second most prevalent form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, affects approximately 180,000 people in the UK and represents 20% of young-onset dementia cases, where symptoms begin before the age of 65.
This particular dementia arises when the brain is deprived of adequate blood flow, often due to damage to the brain’s blood vessels from strokes, transient ischaemic attacks, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Although there is no specific cure for vascular dementia, managing or preventing these conditions can also reduce the risk of developing it.
Dementia UK specialists have highlighted that because vascular dementia has physical origins, there are also physical measures that can “slow its progression” even after symptoms have manifested.
Habits to slow the progression or reduce the risk of vascular dementia:
- Stop smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy balanced diet with little saturated fats
- Limit alcohol to 14 units per week or less
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Keep socially active
Hannah Gardner, a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, advised: “What’s good for your heart is good for your brain. If someone has been diagnosed with vascular dementia, it’s important that they make healthy lifestyle changes to prevent further damage in their blood vessels, so their brain cells get enough oxygen and nutrients to work properly.
“It’s also important that people attend regular health checks, such as blood pressure and cholesterol tests, to help detect any abnormalities which can then be treated and monitored.”
Dementia UK and their specialist Admiral Nurses provide assistance and support to individuals managing the condition themselves or those helping friends or family members. The Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline can be reached on 0800 888 6678 (Monday to Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm) or via email at helpline@dementiauk.org.
The earliest signs of vascular dementia differ slightly from other types of dementia, as memory issues are less common in the early stages of this condition. Instead, problems with memory or planning may emerge first.
Early signs of vascular dementia:
- Concentration problems
- Difficulty with planning and decision-making
- Slowed thought processes
- Changes in mood, behaviour and personality
- Difficulties with understanding
- Speech of vision problems in someone who has had a stroke
It’s crucial to consult your GP promptly if you or someone close is showing these signs. Keeping a symptom diary can be beneficial in monitoring the progression and any changes.
Dementia UK specialists have highlighted: “A timely diagnosis can help the person and their family understand what form of dementia they have, how their symptoms affect them, and what they can do to manage them. It also enables the person and their family to seek out information and support such as guidance around finances and future planning.”