After Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia diagnosed in the UK. It is caused by changes in blood flow to the brain and can affect a person’s memory or the way they think.
This means it can progress slowly and be caused by aging. But vascular dementia can also develop after someone has a stroke due to the restriction of blood flow to certain parts of the brain.
What are signs someone has vascular dementia?
The main indications in the early stages of the condition are slower thought processes and difficulty following a series of steps. Someone with vascular dementia may also struggle to understand what you’re explaining to them.
They can also experience periods of confusion. In some people, vascular dementia affects their memory or their ability to use language correctly.
Not everyone who has vascular dementia will exhibit all of these signs. In addition, these signs can also be confused for other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s.
What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that begins in the brain when specific substances build up and affect the way the brain functions. This can lead to dementia over time, because it disrupts the way the brain works.
While most people with Alzheimer’s start having symptoms as they get older, the disease itself is not associated with the aging process, unlike vascular dementia.
Usually, Alzheimer’s begins with mild memory problems. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more similar to those of vascular dementia. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.
Does someone with vascular dementia need to go into a care home?
This is a personal decision and it depends on how well they are managing at home, as well as what kind of care their family is able to provide.
Supporting someone you love who has developed vascular dementia can be challenging, so residential care homes in Goring or wherever you live are certainly an avenue to explore if you need some help to ensure your loved one has the best possible quality of life and care.