Dealing with Vascular Dementia Following a Stroke

Vascular Dementia is a general term used in describing impaired or diminished brain function due to a blockage in the vessels that supply blood to the brain. Often following a stroke, vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia. Slightly more common in men than women, it usually affects people between the ages of 60 and 75, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Multi-Infarct Dementia, or MID, and Binswanger's disease are two common types of vascular dementia. MID, the most common, may be preceded by Transient Ischemic Attacks, or TIA's, such as mild weakness of a limb, dizziness and slurred speech. People with Multi-Infarct Dementia may have memory difficulties, difficulty communicating, or are confused. Other symptoms may include hallucination, delusions, mood swings, epilepsy, paralysis of a limb, or depression.

Binswanger's disease, according to the National Institute of Health, was once considered very rare, but is now thought to be a relatively common type of vascular dementia. Patient's with Binswanger's disease are often lethargic, emotionally unstable, and lose bladder control early in the disease.

In order to diagnose vascular dementia after a stroke, a physician will check for weakness/numbness in the limbs and difficulty with speech. A blood pressure reading, EEG, and blood tests will be examined. The doctor may order brain imaging tests like a CT scan, or a MRI. A psychologist may also be enlisted to evaluate attention span, reasoning, and learning aptitude.

A definitive diagnosis of vascular dementia can only be made by a post-mortem examination of the brain. It is possible and common for a patient to have both Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, making it difficult to diagnose either disease.

The patient's physician will focus his efforts on preventing another stroke. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases will be kept in check. Aspirin or a prescription anti-coagulant may be prescribed to prevent the formation of clots. Other medications may be prescribed to deal with the other symptoms, such as depression or difficulty sleeping. A carotid endartectomy, a surgery to remove blockages in the carotid artery may be an option.

Patients with vascular dementia will experience a more rapid decline than those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Death may occur from a stroke, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, or other infection.

It is very important for the family and friends of the patient to help him/her remain oriented. By encouraging daily routine, making lists, frequent visits, and the use of calendars and alarm clocks, you can help to reinforce mental abilities.