What is vascular dementia?

How fast does vascular dementia progress?

Symptoms may develop suddenly, like after a stroke, or progress more gradually due to causes such as small vessel disease, which is disease in the small blood vessels deep within the brain and damage to subcortical (or deep) areas of the brain.

How is it diagnosed?

According to the University of Queensland’s Brain Institute, there are three major steps involved in diagnosing vascular dementia and it's important to note that not just anyone can diagnose vascular dementia.

1. Assessment by a General Practitioner (GP) or another qualified health professional - the health professional will first aim to rule out other causes for cognitive changes. They may also rely on Aged Care Assessment Teams to assess a person, and support and information from other entities like Dementia Australia and Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

2. Brain scans – such as computerised tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests may be used to examine the brain. These tests can reveal the structure of the brain, detect changes in the features of vascular dementia, and the shrinkage of brain tissue caused by degeneration. Other scans that may be used include PET, fMRI and SPECT, which show localised changes in brain activity and aid in diagnosis.

3. Diagnosis – after careful assessment, a health professional will make a diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will help reduce symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life while living with vascular dementia. After diagnosis, local GPs are involved in the care of the majority of people with dementia, including those receiving care at home and people in residential aged care centres, including those at IRT Group.

It’s important to note that vascular dementia can be difficult to distinguish from other forms of dementia, and more studies and research is being done to help with understanding, preventing and diagnosing this disease.

How is vascular dementia treated?

At this stage, there is no cure if you develop vascular dementia. The brain damage that causes it – as a result of a stroke or small vessel disease - cannot be reversed. However, some symptoms may be reduced by considering a comprehensive treatment plan in consultation with a GP or health professional. This may include medical and non-medical treatment, support and activities.

There are also many ways to help someone with vascular dementia remain independent and cope with some of the symptoms. This includes:

• Breaking complex tasks down into smaller steps to make them easier
• Avoiding loud and busy environments to make it easier to concentrate
• Setting simple and regular routines
• Keeping mentally active
• Life story work – where someone shares their life experiences and makes a personal record – to help with memory, mood and wellbeing
• Reminiscence activities
• Rehabilitation – this is often effective after a stroke to help with weakness, coordination, movement and balance.

GPs may also organise respite care or suggest a move to residential care if a person living with vascular dementia requires more care and support. GPs also have a duty of care to remind people with vascular dementia and their carers about legal and planning issues, such as setting up an enduring guardianship or power of attorney, and an advanced care directive, early in the illness.

What is the life expectancy of a person with vascular dementia?

The average time from the appearance of obvious symptoms until death is about 5 years for vascular dementia. 

Though people may live 20 years or more with dementia, depending on its cause and the age, health and genetics of the person diagnosed. Dementia reduces life expectancy and is not often listed as the direct cause of death. Death is typically caused by complications related to the loss of brain function – infections such as pneumonia (accounting for two-thirds of cases), malnutrition, dehydration or falls. 

Did you know?

• According to Dementia Australia, vascular dementia accounts for 15 to 20 percent of all dementia diagnoses.
• It can often coexist with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Stroke, small vessel disease or a mixture of the two can cause vascular dementia.
• It is estimated that about 50 per cent of cases of vascular dementia result from high blood pressure.
• Other risk factors for vascular dementia include older age, obesity and insulin resistance.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, diet and weight can reduce your risk of developing vascular disease and, in turn, vascular dementia.

Remember, only a medical practitioner such as a doctor or specialist can diagnose dementia. If an official diagnosis has been made, there is a lot of support available to help you and your loved ones manage. A good place to start is by visiting Dementia Australia’s website or by calling the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. They offer support, information, education and counselling.