Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia. It is caused by insufficient blood flow to areas of the brain which leads to their functional impairment. In reality, vascular insufficiency often combines with other degenerative neurological disorders.
Some risk factors that can play a role in this form of dementia are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, atrial fibrillation, etc. As such, one can argue that countering the above factors, when done early, can affect the presentation and course of the disease.
Symptoms usually consist of the slow and progressive loss of cognitive functions, in combination with disruptions in balance and walking, difficulties speaking, swallowing, etc. Characteristically, patients present reduced psychomotor functioning, with difficulties in planning and alternating between tasks. Additionally, memory lapses and reduced speech are observed.
Prevention is therefore very important in vascular dementia, through intervening quickly in the above risk factors. At our facility, the correct assessment of the condition of each patient, medical observation, as well as the proper administration of medications, ensure the best possible conditions for those suffering from dementia. Finally, an important part is played by the programs designed to improve mental capacity, which seek to improve and maintain patients’ cognitive functions.
Read more about these programs here.