Many people associate the word “dementia” with “Alzheimer’s disease.” Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia that develops – it’s estimated that anywhere from 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases are Alzheimer’s-related. But Alzheimer’s is not the only cause of dementia.
“The second most common form of dementia is known as vascular dementia, which occurs when blood vessels to the brain are damaged or otherwise compromised,” says Addie Ricci, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, located in Norwalk, CT. “This occurs when your brain is damaged by disease or injury, such as blood vessel disease or strokes.”
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can be caused by a burst blood vessel (known as a hemorrhagic stroke), a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or a temporary lack of blood flow (transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ministroke).
“Hemorrhagic strokes are usually what we think of when we imagine a stroke,” says Addie. “These types of strokes are more likely to cause death or other complications instead of vascular dementia. Ischemic strokes and TIA are the more common forms of vascular dementia, and can often occur with minimal or no signs, which can make the dementia-like symptoms seemingly appear out of nowhere.”
While vascular dementia is often caused by strokes, and is a common post-stroke problem, not everyone who has a stroke will develop vascular dementia. “Your risk of developing this form of dementia depends on the severity of your stroke, what area of the brain the stroke occurred in, as well as your health profile and family history,” says Addie.
While there is no sure-fire way to avoid developing dementia, vascular dementia is different from Alzheimer’s in that there are many things individuals can do to minimize their risk, says Addie. “Practicing good habits and taking charge of your cardiovascular health can greatly reduce your chance of developing this form of dementia, as well as help you avoid other forms of dementia.”
Types of Vascular Dementia
There are four different types of vascular dementia, each of which affects a different section of the brain.
- Single-infarct dementia occurs when an area of cells die from a lack of blood supply. This generally occurs due to a blood clot that causes one large ischemic stroke.
- Multi-infarct dementia is generally the result of multiple ministrokes which cause many tiny spots of damage throughout the brain. Oftentimes, the person may not know they’ve had ministrokes because the individual effects were so small.
- Subcortical dementia occurs when arteries deep within the brain become blocked, usually due to blood clots. This type of vascular dementia is generally caused by small vessel disease.
- Mixed dementia occurs when an individual has both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This is the only form of dementia that doesn’t occur (or solely occur) due to strokes. Treatment will depend on the dominant type of dementia that presents.
Risk Factors of Vascular Dementia
Generally, the risk factors for vascular dementia are the same as the ones for stroke and heart disease. These include:
- Age.As you get older, your risk of developing vascular dementia rises. It’s rare to develop this form of dementia before age 65, but the risk is substantial by the time you reach 90.
- A history of heart issues. If you have a history of strokes, ministrokes or heart attacks, you are considered to be at risk for having blood vessel issues and developing vascular dementia.
- Abnormal aging of blood vessels. Known as atherosclerosis, this condition is caused by cholesterol and plaque buildup in your arteries, which narrows blood vessels and reduces the flow of blood to the brain.
- High cholesterol and high blood pressure. These factors put extra stress on your cardiovascular system, increasing the chance of blood vessel issues.
- Diabetes. High glucose levels wreak havoc on your blood vessels, increasing your risk for everything from hypertension to stroke to vascular dementia.
- Smoking. This habit damages your blood vessels and increases your risk for all sorts of cardiovascular diseases and issues.
- Obesity. Being overweight stresses your cardiovascular system, increases your chance of vascular disease and increases your risk for vascular dementia.
- Atrial fibrillation. Also colloquially known as a heart murmur, this condition causes your heart to beat rapidly and irregularly, which can cause blood clots to form in the heart. These clots can break off and travel through the body to the brain, causing strokes.
Preventing Stroke and Vascular Dementia
As with all diseases – but especially dementia and strokes – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Because the brain and blood vessels are such delicate parts of our bodies, it’s impossible to reverse damage if and when it occurs. That’s why it’s so important to practice heart healthy habits that will keep your cardiovascular system running smoothly, improve your overall health and potentially reduce your risk of developing vascular dementia.
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure. A healthy blood pressure means that your cardiovascular system is working at peak performance, pumping blood through your body with the least amount of strain on your vessels. Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level can prevent a range of issues, including potentially vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Prevent or control diabetes. If you have diabetes take steps to maintain a healthy glucose level in your blood. Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. Talk with your doctor to see if medication may help.
- Quit smoking. Smoking damages blood vessels everywhere in your body, increases your risk of various cancers and has no redeeming health qualities.
- Get physical exercise. Staying physically active benefits all aspects of wellness.
- Maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Keeping your cholesterol at healthy levels may reduce your risk of developing plaque deposits inside your arteries and can potentially reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes – which lead to reducing your risk of vascular dementia.
Compassionate Care for All Stages of Memory Loss
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides assisted living memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Personalized Services
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for every stage of memory loss. At Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, our residents have it all for one simple monthly fee.
Community Amenities
Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a peaceful and secure environment where residents feel at home.
Contact us today to learn more.