Vascular Dementia

This is due to poor blood circulation within the brain that affects the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain cells. As we age our blood vessels are at a higher risk of becoming damaged or blocked, compromising blood flow, and symptoms then arise depending on which area of the brain is affected. This can occur suddenly or gradually depending on how blood supply to the brain is affected. Strokes or 'mini strokes' (Transient ischaemic attacks or TIAs) can lead to progressive brain damage leading to dementia. If there is poor blood flow to the inner/deep parts of the brain, then Vascular Dementia may present with early movement problems similar to symptoms seen in Parkinson's disease. Compromised blood circulation to the brain is also linked to Alzheimer's disease and it is not unusual to see a combination of Alzheimer's disease and Vascular Dementia. Similar to heart disease and strokes, the risk of developing Vascular Dementia can be reduced with better control of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and by giving up smoking.