Paul’s story
Paul's story shares the difficulties with mental health that many people experience after a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia.
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. Our specialist dementia nurses explain what you need to know.
Vascular dementia is caused by problems in the blood supply to the brain due to damaged or diseased blood vessels, a stroke, or ‘mini strokes’ called transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs).
This deprives the brain cells of the oxygen and nutrients they need to function effectively, which may cause problems with concentration, thinking and carrying out everyday activities.
If these problems get progressively worse, the person may be diagnosed with vascular dementia.
Vascular dementia is most common in people aged over 65, and the risk increases as people grow older.
However, it can also occur in younger people, and is the second most common form of young onset dementia (where symptoms develop before the age of 65).
Vascular dementia is slightly more common in men, and people from South Asian and African-Caribbean backgrounds are at increased risk.
People with a family history of vascular dementia may also be at slightly greater risk.
Other factors that increase the chance of developing vascular dementia are:
The symptoms of vascular dementia depend on which area of the brain is affected, but generally, early signs include:
There may also be changes in:
If someone develops symptoms of dementia after a stroke, they may also have speech or vision problems.
In one specific type of vascular dementia, called subcortical vascular dementia or Binswanger’s disease, the symptoms include:
About 10% of people with dementia have ‘mixed dementia’. This is a combination of two or more types of dementia – usually Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia – and the person may have symptoms of both.
People with vascular dementia may have periods where their symptoms seem stable, but they will always worsen over time.
The following tips may help reduce the risk of vascular dementia or delay its onset and progression.
If someone is showing signs of dementia, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis so that advice, support and services can be put in place.
However, vascular dementia may be mistaken for other conditions, such as depression, stress, relationship problems, menopause and work-related issues. This can cause a delay in diagnosis.
Before the person sees their GP, it is helpful to make a list of your concerns, including:
The GP should carry out or arrange a physical examination and blood tests to rule out other physical or mental health problems that may have similar symptoms to dementia.
They may also conduct a brief cognitive assessment, although these may not be reliable for people with vascular dementia.
If the GP suspects dementia, the person should be referred to a memory clinic for a full assessment, including a brain scan.
If possible, go to the assessment with the person so you can share your experience of the changes you have noticed.
Currently, there are no specific treatments for vascular dementia, but medication may be given for underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems or diabetes.
Medications for Alzheimer’s disease are not effective for vascular dementia, unless the person has been diagnosed with mixed dementia.
A person with vascular dementia should be supported to stop smoking, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. These steps won’t cure vascular dementia, but it may slow its progression.
CADASIL (which stands for cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) is a form of vascular disease that causes multiple small strokes. It is a genetic condition and very rare, affecting only 1,200 people in the UK.
Strokes typically cause weakness on one side of the body which over time, may lead to permanent disability including arm or leg weakness, slurred speech and changes in cognition such as difficulties with thinking, reasoning and memory. Many people with CADASIL also experience migraines.
As CADASIL progresses, people often develop dementia, typically in their 50s or 60s. By the age of 65, most people with CADASIL will have dementia.
If a person has a parent with CADASIL, they will have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene.
To speak to a specialist nurse about vascular dementia or any other aspect of dementia, please call the Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm) email helpline@dementiauk.org or book a phone or video call appointment with an Admiral Nurse.
Our virtual clinics give you the chance to discuss any questions or concerns with a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse by phone or video call, at a time that suits you.
Paul's story shares the difficulties with mental health that many people experience after a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia.
Joanna’s mum has vascular dementia and is now living in a care home. Joanna talks about the impact that her mum’s condition has had on the whole family over the years.
George was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2014 at the age of 62 and has spent much of the last eight years meeting people who live with the condition and campaigning for better support and services.