What is it about ?
The dementia is a condition marked by impaired brain functions (cognitive functions). It is characterized by decreased memory, with at least one other disorder (e.g. problems speaking (speech problem), loss of orientation in time and space, problems understanding meaning language, etc…).
Vascular dementia is a form of dementia caused by one or more stroke. There may be bleeding (hemorrhage) or small blood clots that block the blood vessels (thrombosis) in the brain. Blood clots can also form elsewhere, break off and be carried to the brain through the bloodstream, where they get stuck (embolism). part of the brain no longer receives blood and dies (cerebral infarction).
Where do we find it and what is its frequency?
Vascular dementia is most prevalent in older people, usually in those who already have another disease, such as heart disease (heart disease), disease of the blood vessels (vascular disease), or diabetes. About 15 in 100 dementias are vascular dementias. It is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.
How to recognize it?
The other symptoms depend on the location of the lesions in the brain. There may be physical or cognitive disorders:
- physical disorders: certain functions of the body are less good or disappear. For example, the person develops weakness or paralysis, usually on one side of the body. The step is disturbed and the person turns their leg slightly outward when walking or a corner of the mouth sags. The person has difficulty performing certain activities with precision. She gets clumsy, even for simple tasks. The swallowing muscles may weaken, causing difficulty in swallowing. The person may even swallow askew. It may also be more difficult for the person to express themselves.
- cognitive impairment: emotional changes are often observed. These people cry and laugh more spontaneously. They are quickly anxious and restless. Concentration is often less good and people are often a little confused. Personality and understanding remain intact for a long time.
How is the diagnosis made?
When vascular dementia is suspected, the patient is given a brain exam. A CT scan and / or MRI may show areas of infarction. Examinations can also be carried out to identify any contributing factors. For example, a blood test can be used to detect diabetes or an excessively high level of fat in the blood.
What can you do ?
Prevention of risk factors is important. It is known that high blood pressure, diabetes, excess fat in the blood and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) can cause stroke.
Better to inform than cure. It is likely that a healthy lifestyle decreases the risk of developing dementia.
Avoid excess weight and do not smoke.
What can your doctor do?
First, the doctor will treat the conditions involved (hypertension, diabetes and heart disease). There is no cure for vascular dementia per se. Your doctor may advise you to undergo physical rehabilitation. It is sometimes possible to restore part of the lost function or in any case to maintain those which persist. A speech therapist can also help restore good speech.
Want to know more?
- CT-scan – Erasme Hospital
- MRI, here, Where to find on this page of Saint-Luc University Clinics (UCLouvain)
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