What is vascular dementia?
Vascular dementia is a condition caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain that often occurs following a stroke or cerebrovascular episode. Vascular Dementia is the second most common type of dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common.) When blood flow is blocked or reduced, it causes the brain to be starved of vital materials such as oxygen and nutrients. Because your brain uses a large proportion of these materials to function, when blood flow is restricted, serious problems such as cell death can occur. These problems cause difficulties in thinking and functioning.
What are some symptoms for vascular dementia?
Difficulties in thinking related to Vascular Dementia – sometimes called “Vascular Cognitive Impairments” – can appear very different from person to person. Some may have mild trouble remembering things; others may have severe memory impairments. For some, the visual system is impacted. Others may not have any memory or visual problems, but may be easily confused or disoriented. Yet another brain function that can be impacted by vascular dementia is the ability to understand language or communicate with speech.
How do I decrease my risk for vascular dementia?
The risk factors for sustaining cognitive impairment due to Vascular Dementia include the same risk factors commonly associated with heart problems. In other words, reducing your risk for Vascular Dementia would include things like maintaining a healthy body weight, keeping your cholesterol within an acceptable range, not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and engaging in regular and appropriate exercise for your age and health status. Treatment options for Vascular Dementia are in development, but prevention is the best strategy to avoid any loss of cognitive functioning.
How is vascular dementia diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Vascular Dementia is best done with an in-depth neuropsychological evaluation. The evaluation will often consist of one or two 2-3 hour meetings with a neuropsychologist who will start with a detailed interview. In the interview, a personal and family medical history will be reviewed.
Next, they will administer several highly specialized assessments designed to measure various aspects of cognitive functioning. The neuropsychologist will select these measures based on the changes in functioning that a person has noticed or experienced. They may include tests of memory, attention, visual-motor coordination, speech, or reasoning.
Finally, medical laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests) and/or brain imaging scans may also be included in order to map where any reductions or blocks in blood flow may be occurring.
Getting help
If you have noticed some of the changes described above and are concerned about Vascular Dementia, a neuropsychological evaluation will help you understand your brain and its functions in detail. An evaluation will also provide you with practical suggestions and recommendations to aid you in managing any changes in your thinking.
For more information, please contact the team at Chicagoland Neuropsychology. We will ensure that all your questions are addressed and whether a neuropsychological exam for vascular dementia is appropriate.