Toronto Dementia Network

Vascular Dementia

Vascular Dementia (VaD) is the result of a single or multiple strokes. A stroke is the main area of damaged brain caused by a loss of blood flow. Strokes can be large or small, and can have a cumulative effect (each stroke adding further to the problem). Strokes may alter the person’s ability to walk, cause weakness in an arm or leg, slurred speech or emotional outbursts.

How does Vascular Dementia affect the person?

VaD usually has a sudden onset immediately following a stroke. VaD may follow a stepwise progression -- functioning can deteriorate, stabilize for a time and then deteriorate again. The cognitive symptoms may vary, affecting some areas of the brain more or less than others (e.g., language, vision or memory).

Who gets Vascular Dementia?

After Alzheimer's disease, VaD is the second leading cause of dementia. VaD often co-exists with Alzheimer's disease, a condition called "mixed dementia." Both men and women can be affected by VaD.

What are the risk factors for Vascular Dementia?

Risk factors for VaD include age (over age 65), high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease or diabetes. Smoking, being overweight, having elevated cholesterol levels and a family history of heart problems may also increase the risk of stroke, which increase the risk of VaD. Mini-strokes (sometimes referred to as transient ischemic attacks-TIAs) are warning signs that a stroke may be imminent. Temporary loss of vision, speech, strength or brief episodes of numbness may indicate a TIA.

Identifying the risk factors for VaD is important because often they may be treated to reduce the risk of stroke. Medications can control high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Blood thinners can be used, particularly when the heart beat is irregular. Occasionally, surgery is necessary to un-block arteries to the brain. Risk factors can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes exercising regularly, eating well, avoiding smoking and reducing stress.

Is there a treatment for Vascular Dementia?

After a person has a stroke, medication may be prescribed to improve blood flow to the brain and reduce the risk of further stroke. A person may also benefit from different therapies to help with movement and speech, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy.

For more information:

•  Vascular Dementia. Alzheimer Canada
•  Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada
•  Dementia and Vascular Dementia. Jacksonville Medicine February 2000.
•  Multi-Infarct Dementia. Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus Health Information
•  Multi-infarct dementia (MID)?. CRIS
•  Multi-Infarct Dementia Directory. Alzheimer's Outreach
•  NINDS Multi-Infarct Dementia Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
•  Stroke-Related Dementia. emedicine health.com
•  Vascular Dementia. Alzheimer Scotland
•  Vascular Dementia. North West Dementia Centre, Manchester
•  Vascular Dementia. Memory & Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco
•  Vascular Dementia. Dementia Update for the Practitioner
•  Vascular Dementia: diagnosis, management and possible prevention. emja Medical Journal of Australia 1999; 170: 81-85
•  What is Vascular Dementia?. Alzheimer's Society (UK)

This Related Dementia Information Sheet was created by the Alzheimer Society of Canada in collaboration with the Alzheimer Societies of Saskatchewan and British Columbia to explain some of the more common dementias. The Information Sheet is not intended to replace clinical diagnosis by a health professional.

Source: Research- Related Dementia - Vascular Dementia - Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Toronto Dementia Network. 2007