Vascular Dementia

Dementia is defined as a progressive decline in cognitive function due to damage to the brain. It is common among the aged but can occur in any stage of adulthood. Dementia is characterized by dysfunction in any of the areas of the brain such as those dealing with memory, language, attention and problem-solving. During initial stages, dementia affects the mental functions ad later leads to total disorientation in time, place and person. Alzheimer disease is the most common type of dementia and the second most common one is the vascular dementia. It is also called multi-infarct dementia.

Causes of Vascular Dementia
Studies have shown that there is a relation between intelligence and dementia. A child with a lower IQ has higher chances of getting dementia in adulthood. If the levels of intelligence of a person are lower during his/her childhood, the person is susceptible to be a victim of dementia during his/her later years. Studies have revealed the close connection between the factors causing vascular diseases and vascular dementia. The most common cause of vascular dementia is the blockage of blood vessels, which feed the brain. Abnormal heart rhythms or other heart disorders causing clots in the blood vessels can become a cause of vascular dementia. If brain cells are deprived of sufficient amount of oxygen, it may result in a vascular dementia. A person's lifestyle that includes his/her eating, smoking and drinking habits influence the chances of getting vascular dementia. Studies have shown that around half the number of cases of vascular dementia result from hypertension.

Symptoms of Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is a degenerative cerebrovascular disease leading to a decline in the functions of the brain. It is caused by a series of small strokes that cause damage to the cerebral cortex and hamper the cognitive processes like understanding of language, instructions and memory. During its early stages, vascular dementia is apparent through symptoms like mild weakness in the limbs, slurred speech and dizziness. Often impairment in the short-term memory is seen. These symptoms are not grave and thus can go unnoticed. The noticeable symptoms of vascular dementia include difficulties in remembering recent incidents, getting lost in familiar areas, problems with the handling of money and the loss of control over bladder and bowel movements. Difficulties in following instructions and emotional liability are among the other noticeable symptoms of vascular dementia. A persevering behavior, lack of verbal fluency, a slowing of the processing ability and a hampered abstract thinking are some of the symptoms of vascular dementia which can be used for diagnosis of this disease. Due to increase in the cardiovascular risk factors, vascular dementia is associated with a higher mortality rate.

Cure for Vascular Dementia
Cholinesterase inhibitors such as galantamine have proved to be helpful during random trials but they are still to become legal for use. Management of the cardiovascular risk factors is the best treatment for vascular dementia. Medications that can improve blood circulation to the brain are helpful in reducing the chances of further brain damage. It is important that the minor strokes during the initial stages are heeded and remedies are sought during the early stages. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers can be administered to the patients of vascular dementia. In cases where suitable, electroconvulsive therapy is suggested for extreme cases of vascular dementia.

If a person has vascular dementia, it is advisable for him/her to always carry a notepad with the notes of important names and numbers made in it. The people around the patient are advised to support him/her by adjusting to his diminishing cognitive abilities. Patients of vascular dementia should exercise their brain; avoid overly challenging their brains with working in the presence of distractions or taking up mentally challenging tasks. Patients need to be patient and help themselves in coping up with life. Something, I feel, is always said and seldom followed, is the very old saying, "Prevention is better than cure". This principle of prevention applies to preventing factors that can lead to vascular dementia. It is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep away from cardiovascular diseases. It would be best to detect habits that hamper health and avoid an unhealthy way of living. It is equally important to understand the difficulties that are faced by the patients of vascular dementia and support the patients in their fight for 'life'.