Vascular Dementia
Overview
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Test may also be done to assess thinking abilities.
Blood tests may be done. It can rule out other health problems that may cause dementia.
Pictures may be taken of your brain and body structures. This can be done with:
- MRI scan
- CT scan
Treatments
Treatment
There is no cure for VD. The goal is to slow VD and improve quality of life.
Medicine may be given to improve thinking and function. Dietary supplements may also be used.
Underlying health problems will also need to be treated, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart arrhythmias
- High cholesterol
- Conditions that cause the blood to clot
- Diabetes
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Binswanger’s Disease; Senile Dementia; Binswanger’s Type; Vascular Cognitive Impairment; Arteriosclerotic Dementia; Atherosclerotic Disease)
RESOURCES
Alzheimer’s Association http://www.alz.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Alzheimer Society of Canada http://www.alzheimer.ca
Heart and Stroke Foundation http://www.heartandstroke.com
References
Sabayan B, Sorond FA. Reducing risk of dementia in older age. JAMA. 2017;317(19):2028.
Sorond FA, Whitehead S, et al. Proceedings from the Albert Charitable Trust Inaugural Workshop on white matter and cognition in aging. Geroscience. 2020;42(1):81-96.
Vascular cognitive impairment. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/vascular-cognitive-impairment . Accessed October 5, 2020.
Vascular dementia. Alzheimer's Association website. Available at: http://www.alz.org/dementia/vascular-dementia-symptoms.asp. Accessed October 5, 2020.
Vascular dementia: A resource list. National Institute on Aging website. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vascular-dementia-and-vascular-cognitive-impairment-resource-list. Accessed October 5, 2020.