Vascular Dementia
A form of major or mild neurocognitive disorder caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following strokes or chronic vascular disease.
Overview
Vascular dementia, a form of major or mild neurocognitive disorder, results from reduced blood flow to the brain due to strokes or chronic small vessel disease, causing cognitive decline that often progresses in a stepwise pattern.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include difficulty with planning and organization, slowed thinking, memory difficulties, and physical symptoms such as weakness, depending on the areas of the brain affected. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Vascular dementia results from impaired blood flow to the brain, commonly related to stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other cardiovascular risk factors.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive rehabilitation and structured support may help manage symptoms alongside management of vascular risk factors.
Medication
Managing underlying cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, is central to treatment; some medications used in Alzheimer’s disease may offer modest benefit. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Vascular Dementia
Aggressive management of cardiovascular risk factors can help slow further decline.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
The course can be variable, sometimes progressing in a stepwise pattern with periods of stability between vascular events.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institutes of Health.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.