What is Vascular Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect cognitive functions, including memory, problem-solving, and planning. Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of dementia that we commonly think of when we talk about dementia, but it is not the only form of dementia. Different types of dementia exist with different characteristics and causes. Another common cause of dementia is vascular dementia. In Australia, the second most common cause of dementia is vascular dementia, accounting for 15-20% of cases of dementia.[1] At Home Care Assistance, we understand that understanding different forms of dementia can help you recognise the signs and support your loved one, so we have compiled this information on vascular dementia.

What Causes Vascular Dementia?

The brain requires good blood flow to receive oxygen and nutrients, enabling blood cells to function properly. When conditions such as a stroke, long-term high blood pressure, or injury to the brain’s blood vessels reduce oxygen and nutrients to the brain, damage can occur, and brain cells may not function as well. This can cause vascular dementia. 

Differences Between Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia

While both are forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia not only have different causes, they also have different patterns, including:

• Sudden Onset. Vascular dementia can often have a sudden onset when there is an injury to the brain, such as a stroke, a series of mini strokes or other injury to the brain. Alzheimer’s, in contrast, is a much slower progression.
• Stepwise Progression. With vascular dementia, a person may often have periods of stabilisation followed by a ‘step down’ in cognitive function, where symptoms will suddenly decline.
• Type of Cognitive Deficit. While Alzheimer’s usually results in widespread memory and cognitive problems, vascular dementia may cause more targeted deficits linked to the specific area of the brain that is affected. For example, if the damage occurs in the part responsible for problem-solving, then that particular skill will be impacted.

Vascular dementia can also occur in conjunction with other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, which can make it more challenging to identify.

Risk Factors for Vascular Dementia

While anyone can develop vascular dementia, certain risk factors increase your likelihood of developing it. Some of these, such as ageing, are not preventable, but others are:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity and poor diet[2]

Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, keeping active, and keeping on top of any medical conditions you may have, is your best way of reducing your risk of vascular dementia.

Stages of Vascular Dementia

Often, the early stages of vascular dementia can be frustrating. It can be a confusing time when you sense something isn’t quite right, but you don’t understand what’s wrong until you find some answers. While everyone’s journey is unique, there are three broad stages of vascular dementia. It is important to remember that symptoms and progression will vary depending on the parts of the brain affected.

The three broad stages are”

• Mild Stage. Changes of cognitive function will be subtle, with mainly complex tasks being more difficult. Some mood-related changes may appear, such as increased anxiety and irritability.
• Moderate Stage. Cognitive changes become more noticeable with impacts on everyday functions and language—the person’s ability to carry out daily activities and look after themselves starts to be affected.
• Severe Stage. Cognitive function is significantly affected. The person can no longer care for themselves and needs comprehensive care.
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How can Home Care Assistance Help Someone with Vascular Dementia?

Home Care Assistance can offer specialist support if you or your loved one has vascular dementia. This includes several elements, including:

• Personalised Care. Vascular dementia can present itself differently depending on the parts of the brain affected, meaning it is essential to have care tailored to the individual. This allows the person being cared for to maintain their independence in activities they can manage while receiving support where needed. Personalised care also means the preferences of the individual and their family are respected in the care plan.
• Safety Planning. Keeping the individual safe is a crucial part of caring for someone with dementia. This includes preventing falls and wandering off. Our Care Professionals at Home Care Assistance have the experience to do this for your loved one.
• Consistent Routine. Having a consistent routine is important for patients with dementia. It helps reduce anxiety and confusion. At the same time, it is essential to keep the individual stimulated and ensure that joy, connection, and cognitive stimulation are integral parts of their day. Our Care Professionals can help support your family to establish a routine that works for you.
• Respite. Emotional and physical respite is important for the family of people with dementia. Home Care Assistance can provide this for you, giving you a break while you know that your loved one is cared for.

Support at home from a specialist provider, such as Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefits and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance offers viable solutions for supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance near me today.  

[1] https://www.thecommongood.org.au/news/spotlight-on-vascular-dementia/

[2] https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/vascular-dementia