1. Vascular Dementia
Lewis and Escalin

2. Introduction
Common form of dementia Affects more than 135,000 people in the UK A loss of mental ability/cognitive impairment Gradual death of brain cells Commonly found in adults above the age of 65

3. Cause of Vascular Dementia
Reduced blood flow to the brain  damages and kills brain ells Stenosis or blockage of small blood vessels (Small Vessel Disease) One large stroke (where blood supply is cut off) Several mini-strokes (tiny but widespread damage to the brain) Underlying health issues: high BP and diabetes Lifestyle factors: smoking and being overweight

5. Types of Vascular Dementia
Stroke Related
Symptoms depend on area of brain that is damaged (ex. If area that is responsible for speech is affected patient may have problems communicating) and particular areas cause symptoms of dementia
A common type of vascular dementia related to stroke is multi-infarct dementia (series of small strokes)
Subcortical vascular Dementia (Small vessel disease or Binswanger Disease)
Damage to tiny vessels deep within the brain.
Symptoms: difficulties walking, clumsiness, lack of facial expression and speech difficulties.
Patient can experience subcortical vascular dementia as well as stroke.
Mixed dementia (Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease)
10 per cent have this type.
Alzheimer’s disease as well as stroke has developed.
Symptoms maybe that of Alzheimer’s disease or a combination

7. Depends on which part of the brain is affected and to what extent
Depends on which part of the brain is affected and to what extent. Short-term memory Wandering or getting lost in familiar surroundings Laughing or crying at inappropriate times Trouble concentrating, planning, or following through on activities Trouble managing money Inability to follow instructions Loss of bladder or bowel control Hallucinations or delusions Symptoms that suddenly get worse often signal a stroke. symptoms progress in noticeable stages =diagnose vascular dementia. Alzheimer's progresses slowly, steady pace. In vascular dementia, problems walking can happen early and late in Alzheimer's

8. Diagnosis
Brief tests to assess memory, thinking and reasoning for patients considered at high risk. Professional screening for high-risk groups: patients with depression or patients who have had TIA (Transient ischemic attack/ mini-stroke Thorough medical history (family history of dementia) Evaluation of independent function and daily activities. Input from family or trusted friends Neurological examination to assess function of nerves and reflexes, movement, coordination, balance and senses Blood tests and brain imaging (ex. MRI that may show a recent stroke or brain blood vessel changes Neurocognitive testing: several hours of written or computerized tests that provide detailed evaluation of specific thinking skills (judgement, planning, problem-solving, reasoning and memory)

9. Treatment
Currently, no available treatments can repair the damage of vascular dementia once it's happened. diagnosis provides knowledge and the opportunity to prevent further damage.
Controlling risk factors that may increase further damage to the brain's blood vessels
Prevention typically involves bringing high blood pressure under control via: exercise, diet, and medication, alcohol, smoking.
Help from family:
Family members and friends can place notes in visible locations around the house with instructions for how to use basic items.
communication, reminding the person with vascular dementia what day it is, where they live, and what is going on in the family, can help keep them connected to the here and now.

10. Love your elders while they still remember you