What is Vascular Dementia?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2024
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WHAT IS VASCULAR DEMENTIA?
Vascular dementia is a type of dementia linked to issues with blood flow to the brain. It ranks as the second most common type of dementia, occurring in about 15 to 30% of all dementia cases. In this episode, we explore its symptoms, risk factors, and the unique challenges it carries.
SYMPTOMS AND RISK FACTORS
Symptoms of vascular dementia can manifest suddenly or gradually over time. Individuals may experience cognitive problems, including poor memory, language difficulties (aphasia), coordination issues (apraxia), and problems recognizing things or people (agnosia). Unlike other dementias, vascular dementia often presents neurological symptoms like exaggerated reflexes, walking imbalance, and muscle weakness.
Risk factors include age, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, gender, and race. Understanding these factors is crucial in managing and preventing this condition.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosing vascular dementia requires a comprehensive approach. Healthcare professionals conduct a thorough diagnostic, ruling out other potential causes for symptoms. This includes assessing medical history, medications, risk factors, cognitive screenings, and imaging tests like CT, MRI, and PET scans. Neuropsychological testing may also be employed for a detailed evaluation of cognitive function.
TREATMENT AND PROGNOSIS
While no specific drugs are FDA-approved for vascular dementia, medications used for Alzheimer's disease may provide some relief. The primary focus, however, lies in managing cardiovascular problems. Lifestyle changes, including controlling blood pressure, maintaining cholesterol levels, and a healthy weight, play a crucial role.
The prognosis for vascular dementia varies based on individual factors such as age, existing medical conditions, and the nature of cardiovascular issues. While there's no cure, the goal of treatment is to prevent further damage, manage symptoms, and provide support for both the affected individual and their caregivers.
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10 Warning Signs: melissabphd.com/10warningsigns/
Diagnosis Checklist: melissabphd.com/diagnosischec...
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About Melissa B PhD
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse Please visit my website at MelissaBPhD.com to learn more about me, how you can work with me directly, and/or support future episodes of the podcast. Within the first 18 months of launching this podcast, we reached a ranking of top 10% globally.
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My mama was diagnosed at 58 that she has a FTLD...now she's 61 it's so progressive she's getting mad day by day
Thank you so much...my mother had that before she died at 92, I have similar symptoms as you mentioned...I am 73
Thank you. I'm 58 and my brain looks like a 95 year old dementia patient. I also have a very rare genetic disease called Schwartz Jampel. Dr.'s do not know if this is related. In 2018 I had moderate white matter lesions. Now it is severe. I got healthy. Lowered my BP. Lost a lot of weight. My Dr said there is nothing more I can do. But today I forgot what year this was.
My doctor told me last year "we do not know If you have 10, 8, 6, 4, or 2 years to live." Brutal
We live in South Africa. My biological father has vascular dementia. He is treated by a psychiatrist of good repute. Neuro imaging has been done however we have not seen the imaging as there are very few psychiatrists neurologists in RSA, so appointments are very few and very pricey. I have a psychiatric psychology background. My father is on dorminoct memor and an antipsychotic. Your response would be greatly appreciated. Sue from South Africa
Hi Susan, how's your day going with you?
I'm not sure what your question is?
Never mind. All sorted. Have seen the images checked the meds the diagnosis. We live in Africa. We were the country that performed the first heart transplant here in South Africa. We have good Drs but many have emmigrated. We live in the most beautiful country in the world. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Ever heard of that? It's currently International EDS month. Blessings from South Africa Sue@@MelissaBPhD