Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia, also known as “multi-infarct dementia,” is the second
most common type of dementia, second only to Alzheimer’s disease. This
debilitating illness is the result of impaired blood flow to the brain.
To keep the thought processes of human beings working properly,
unobstructed blood vessels are necessary to supply oxygen and nutrition to that
astonishing (and often mysterious) organ we call the brain. Unfortunately, in the
case of a heart attack or stroke, it is common for the blood vessels to become
damaged, increasing the risk of developing vascular dementia.
Diabetes is another great concern. High glucose levels in the body may also
damage blood vessels. Basically, anything that may restrict circulation should be a
concern. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, atrial fibrillation and
even sleep apnea are all risk factors for vascular dementia.
During the last decade, a study was conducted by The University of California,
San Francisco involving elder women. They were all mentally healthy, but each
one suffered from some type of sleep disorder. When they were examined five
years later, it was discovered that 48% had developed mild cognitive impairment
or dementia.
This would seem to be a wakeup call regarding sleep disorders. If you snore
heavily or have sleep apnea that causes you to gasp for air in the middle of the
night, understand this: your brain is actually being prevented from receiving the
correct amount of oxygen. This can cause serious cognitive damage or worse.
(I had two of my friends die in their sleep from sleep apnea. It’s important you
let your doctor know if this is happening to you; don’t just brush it off.)
Wearing a CPAP mask may not be the most comfortable or attractive thing to
wear while sleeping, but at least there will be a good flow of oxygen.
Commonly overlooked is the fact that those with Alzheimer’s disease may also
be victims of other ailments. They may still get vascular dementia on top of what
they are already enduring, making their cognitive impairment even worse.
There is a saying: what’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Well in the
case of vascular dementia, this couldn’t be more true!
Like all others types of dementia, most patients will not all have the same
symptoms. With vascular dementia, symptoms may change according to what
part of the brain in which the blood flow was restricted.
Like Alzheimer’s, Vascular dementia may also be developed gradually. It doesn’t
always take as big shock to the system. such as a stroke.
Don’t ever be afraid of talking to your doctor about signs of forgetfulness, for
vascular dementia is one of the few types of dementia that may be reversible, if
caught early enough that is.
*Please join me on Thursday, Dec. 5th 9:30 am. I will be hosting a dementia care
workshop with United Way of Hernando at the Community Central building. With
me I will have Christine Hamacher doing a fall prevention presentation. Come
learn the correct way to use a gait belt to protect your loved one from falling. This
is a free educational event. 7361 Forest Oaks Blvd. Spring Hill. RSVP (352)3456270