Vascular Dementia is a broad term that describes a loss of thinking ability, memory, attention, logical reasoning, and other mental skills. These changes are severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. Vascular dementia can develop after a stroke blocks an artery in your brain, but strokes do not always result in the disease.
Depending on the severity and location of your stroke, it can affect your reasoning and thinking. The brain will also lack oxygen and nutrients if blood vessels are damaged or circulation is reduced, which causes Vascular dementia. Controlling the risk factors may help lower your chances of developing vascular dementia.
Symptoms of Vascular Dementia
- Confusion or trouble paying attention and concentrating
- Reduced ability to organize thoughts or actions
- Difficulty with organization
- Memory problems
- Slowed thinking
- A decline in the ability to analyze a situation
- Depression or apathy
- Develop an effective plan and communicate that plan to others
- Restlessness
- Sudden or frequent urge to urinate or inability to control passing urine
The Three Stages of Vascular Dementia
- Early or mild dementia. In the early stage, a person with dementia might still be able to live independently. They might still be able to drive, work, and socialize. Although they will probably forget familiar words or where everyday objects are, they will most likely have memory lapses.
- Middle or moderate dementia. The middle stage of dementia is usually the longest and can last for many years. As dementia progresses, the person will need an increasing level of care. At this stage, you may notice that they get confused, are often frustrated or angry, or behave unexpectedly, such as refusing to bathe.
- Late-stage dementia. People who suffer from dementia gradually lose their ability to interact with the world. They may still be able to talk, but communicating and expressing thoughts becomes difficult. You might notice noticeable personality changes or even the complete loss of their personality as their memory and cognitive abilities deteriorate.
Treatment for Vascular Dementia
Treatment often focuses on managing the health conditions and risk factors that contribute to vascular dementia. It may be possible to slow or prevent the progression of vascular dementia by controlling conditions that affect the underlying health of your heart and blood vessels.
You should control your blood sugar and prevent your blood from clotting. Quit smoking as it damages blood vessels everywhere in your body. Regular physical activity should be a key part of everyone’s wellness plan. In addition to all of its other benefits, exercise may help you avoid vascular dementia.
Galantamine for Vascular Dementia
Galantamine is an oral prescription medication used in the treatment of mild to moderate vascular dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. It works by inhibiting the action of acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme destructs a certain enzyme in the brain needed for memory and thought. Galantamine can help improve the ability to think and remember in people with Alzheimer’s disease.