dementia

Nearly 6 million people in the United States are living with dementia, reports the National Institute on Aging. While Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent form, vascular dementia is the second most common cause and results from reduced blood supply to the brain due to diseased blood vessels, which deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients. The condition may be described as “a general term describing problems with reasoning, planning, judgment, memory, and other thought processes caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow to your brain,” according to The Mayo Clinic. Additionally, decision-making problems, unsteady gait, agitation, depression, and trouble concentrating may be signs of dementia onset and should be reported to the doctor. Vascular dementia may develop gradually and rarely occurs before age 65, but someone close to a person demonstrating symptoms should encourage him or her to seek medical attention, accompanied by a caring adult. Vascular dementia often develops after a stroke blocks an artery in the brain, but strokes don't always cause it. Damaged blood vessels and reduced circulation in the brain may also be present with aging of blood vessels (atherosclerosis), brain hemorrhage, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and diabetes. Factors known to increase risk of heart disease and stroke include high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking, so a doctor should be consulted about safe lifestyle changes.

The health of the brain's blood vessels is linked to overall heart health and can be safeguarded to some extent:

• Maintain healthy blood pressure. If necessary, a doctor can prescribe medication to help, as well as diet and exercise recommendations.

• Prevent or control diabetes. Avoiding the onset of type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise can decrease dementia risk. If you already have diabetes, controlling glucose levels may help protect brain blood vessels from damage.

• Quit smoking, which damages blood vessels throughout the body.

• Get physical exercise to promote your overall wellness. In addition to its other benefits, exercise may help lower the risk of vascular dementia.

• Keep cholesterol in check. A healthy, low-fat diet and cholesterol-lowering medications, if appropriate, may reduce risk of strokes and heart attacks that could lead to vascular dementia.

While no one claims vascular dementia can be prevented or cured, medical interventions and social supports do make a difference for vascular dementia patients and their families. Involve a doctor to work toward the best possible quality of life.