What is vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is a form of dementia. It develops because of problems with the circulation of blood to your brain.

Vascular dementia causes problems with your:

• reasoning
• planning
• judgement
• memory
• thinking

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia in older people.

What are the symptoms of vascular dementia?

The symptoms of vascular dementia are often similar to those of Alzheimer's disease. In fact, the 2 conditions can occur together.

The symptoms of vascular dementia depend on which part of your brain is affected. Symptoms can include:

• confusion
• trouble with attention and concentration
• trouble understanding speech
• trouble finding the right words when speaking
• difficulties in organising thoughts
• memory problems, especially short-term memory
• problems making decisions or problem solving

Other symptoms can include:

• mood swings
• restlessness and agitation
• personality changes
• being unsteady on your feet and an increased risk of falls
• having problems moving and walking
• needing to urinate (do a wee) urgently, or being unable to control your bladder

The symptoms can affect how you function and can interfere with your daily life.

What causes vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is caused by damage to your brain from restricted blood flow.

When the blood vessels that supply your brain become hardened with a build-up of cholesterol and fatty plaques, it can affect the blood flow to your brain. It can also cause a stroke.

Sometimes symptoms of vascular dementia develop suddenly after a major stroke.

Symptoms can also develop and get progressively worse after a series of small strokes. You may not have any other symptoms with these small strokes.

What can increase my risk of vascular dementia?

Your chances of having vascular dementia increase as your get older.

You are more likely to develop vascular dementia if you:

• have untreated high blood pressure (hypertension)
• smoke
• live with obesity or overweight
• have diabetes
• have high cholesterol
• have atrial fibrillation

Other risk factors include:

• not getting enough physical activity
• not eating a balanced, healthy diet
• having heart disease

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you are worried about your memory or thinking. Also see your doctor if you are concerned you or someone you care for may have other symptoms of dementia.

How is vascular dementia diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and general health. It's a good idea to take a family member or carer with you to help give a good description of your symptoms.

Your doctor may do an examination, including checking your blood pressure. They may do a short test to check your thinking and memory.

There is no single test for vascular dementia. It can be difficult to distinguish from other types of dementia. Your doctor will likely refer you to a specialist doctor— this may be a neurologist or a geriatrician.

Tests that may be recommended are:

• blood tests
• brain imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI scan — to show any evidence of strokes
• an ultrasound scan — to look for any problems in your carotid arteries (which run up both sides of your neck to your brain)
• neuropsychological testing — to measure your brain function
• an electrocardiogram (ECG) — to check your heart rhythm

How is vascular dementia treated?

There is no single treatment or cure for vascular dementia. Specific treatment will depend on your symptoms.

It's important to prevent future strokes to help prevent further decline. To reduce your risk of stroke, your doctor may recommend treatment to:

• control high blood pressure
• treat high cholesterol
• treat other conditions, such as atrial fibrillation and diabetes

Self-care at home

It's important to follow a healthy lifestyle as much as possible, which includes:

• eating a healthy diet
• getting adequate exercise and physical activity
• quitting smoking
• reducing the amount of alcohol you drink

Medicines

Sometimes medicines are used to help treat restlessness or depression. Medicines for Alzheimer's disease may also be used to help with your memory, thinking or behaviour.

Talk with your doctor about what is suitable for you.

Supportive care

People with vascular dementia may need therapy and support to help manage day to day. You may need help at home, and eventually care in a residential care home.

Respite care is also available to help carers. Read more about living with dementia.

Can vascular dementia be prevented?

To make it less likely that you will develop vascular dementia, you should take the same steps as those used to avoid heart disease and strokes:

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Get regular physical activity.
• Quit smoking or vaping.
• Decrease the amount of alcohol you drink.

It's also important to get treatment for any conditions that can increase your risk of vascular dementia, including high blood pressure, diabetes and atrial fibrillation.

Complications of vascular dementia

Some of the complications of vascular dementia are:

• depression
• agitation and aggression
• falls

Resources and support

• Dementia Australia has a National Dementia Helpline — phone 1800 100 500 for expert information, advice and support.
• Dementia Australia also has resources about dementia for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Health Translations has information on dementia in languages other than English.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.