Understanding Vascular Dementia

What are the most common vascular dementia symptoms?

Vascular dementia symptoms vary depending on which areas of the brain are affected, but some of the most common include:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty with communication (for example, finding the right language to use, switching up words accidentally, or having trouble processing information)
• Difficulty absorbing new information or following instructions
• Getting lost while walking or driving on familiar routes
• Difficulty carrying out tasks
• Difficulty sticking to routines
• Frequently losing items
• Altered sleep patterns
• Depression, or a loss of interest in activities
• Increased anxiety
• Changes in behaviour, personality and mood, such as displaying agitation or becoming angry easily
• Displaying poor judgement
• Experiencing delusions or hallucinations

What types of vascular dementia are there?

There are several different types of vascular dementia. These include:

What are the vascular dementia stages?

There are three main stages of dementia that tend to progress similarly in all types, but vascular dementia has some slight differences:

1. Early stage – Memory lapses are present, however memory issues are less common in early vascular dementia. Instead, mood, behaviour and personality changes are common. In vascular dementia, the early stage tends to last the longest, for many months or years.
2. Middle stage – In stroke-related vascular dementia, they may develop more intense communication or speech difficulties, and have weaker limbs that require additional mobility support.
3. Late stage – Language deteriorates in the later stages, and alternative methods of communication are needed. In vascular dementia, brain functions continue to diminish, and as in other types of dementia, end-of-life care will eventually be needed.

What is the typical vascular dementia life expectancy?

Research suggests the vascular dementia life expectancy range is 3 to 5 years, but a person with vascular dementia could also be at risk of heart disease or stroke due to its close links to these conditions. Ultimately, every person’s experience with dementia is different, so they could live many years focused on wellbeing and quality of life before their symptoms worsen.

What risk factors contribute to vascular dementia, and can it be prevented or treated?

Risk factors involved in vascular dementia are linked to the cardiovascular system, so those with a higher risk of certain conditions–including stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart issues–may have a higher risk of developing vascular dementia. Risk factors also increase for those with a family history of dementia, who are overweight, or who smoke, but living a healthier lifestyle could help to prevent vascular dementia long term.

There is no cure, so treatments are designed to delay the progression rather than reverse damage. Alongside care plans and lifestyle changes, these may include medications to treat the above conditions, and low-dose aspirin to reduce the risk of blood clots.

My loved one has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. What do I do now?

A vascular dementia diagnosis in your family can feel overwhelming, but after allowing yourself time to absorb the information, focus on gaining reliable knowledge from doctors and helpful online resources. The person’s GP or dementia care specialist can help you with some of the initial steps, such as:

• Creating a care plan that encompasses medications, safety precautions, and routines
• Taking steps to improve cardiovascular health and slow progression
• Organising legal and financial documents early, such as a Power of Attorney (POA)
• Seeking support from loved ones
• Looking up local resources and support groups
• Adapting their home to make it safer
• Working on patient, clear communication
• Considering respite care to give you regular breaks

How can families help a loved one with vascular dementia?

Maintaining quality of life is vital for a person at any stage of vascular dementia, so depending on their symptoms, families and caregivers may be able to:

• Help them stick to regular, comforting routines
• Encourage them to engage in social activities they enjoy to improve their wellbeing
• Provide emotional support as they come to terms with their diagnosis
• Help with challenging home maintenance tasks
• Create memory prompts, such as labels or medication reminders
• Make home adaptations to improve safety
• Streamline their environment to minimise confusion
• Hire professional home care to take on challenging tasks and support their safety

How can Home Instead support your family?

We select Care Professionals based on their personality and experience with particular issues, so if your loved one has a vascular dementia diagnosis, we work hard to pair you with professionals who understand the complexities of this condition. Our dementia carer training programme is City & Guilds Assured, and developed with leading dementia specialists and key medical practitioners from around the world, so you know you are always in good hands.

If you are wondering how best to look after a loved one with vascular dementia, you don’t need to figure it out alone; reach out for a no-pressure discussion to see how we can help.