Vascular dementia: Eight ways to prevent symptoms of the degenerative disease
VASCULAR dementia is one of the most common types of dementia with around 150,000 people affected in the UK. There is currently no cure for dementia, but it is known vascular dementia is caused by reduce blood flow to the brain. There are a number of things you can do to prevent this and symptoms of the disease developing.
Alzheimer's Society explains what vascular dementia is
Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain which can happen as a result of narrowing of the small blood vessels deep inside the brain or a stroke.
“Nerve cells in the brain need oxygen and nutrients from blood to survive,” explains the NHS.
“When the blood supply to the brain is reduced, the nerve cells function less well and eventually die.”
There is no cure for dementia, but there are eight things you can do to reduce your risk of this type of dementia developing, according to Dementia UK.
Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain which can happen as a result of narrowing of the small blood vessels deep inside the brain or a stroke
Having regular health care checks with your GP
It says: “If you have a long term condition like diabetes or thyroid problems, is important to keep these conditions well managed.
Well-person health checks
It advises: “Take advantage of ‘well-person health checks’ at your GP surgery so that your blood pressure, weight and cholesterol levels are well managed.”
Prescribed medication
It recommends: “If you are prescribed medication make sure you understand what it is for, you are compliant with the dosage and that you have regular reviews with your GP.”
Weight
It says: “If your weight has changed over the years seek support with your diet and monitoring of weight loss to ensure you are eating healthily and the weight loss is maintained.”
Smoking
For smokers, it advises: “If you smoke ask your GP about a smoking cessation programme so you have some support and care and are successful in giving up.”
Exercise
It says: “Keeping physically fit is very important, so taking regular exercise like walking, swimming and group activity like tennis and fitness classes.”
Keep being social
Making sure you keep socially active is important. It adds do this “so that you are talking to people in a group situation as well as one to one”.
Hobbies
It says: “Hobbies like art, woodwork, needlework, knitting, puzzles and listening to music help stimulate different areas of the brain and help with attention and concentration.”
Vascular dementia can start suddenly or come on slowly over time, but as it progresses it tends to get worse.
Alzheimer’s Society says there are common cognitive symptoms in the early stages of this type of dementia - the first being stroke-like symptoms.
One of the most recognisable symptoms of vascular dementia is if a person is suffering with stroke-like symptoms.
It adds: “That can include muscle weakness or temporary paralysis on one side of the body. Most notably, these symptoms require urgent medical attention.”
Movement problems, thinking problems and mood changes can also be tell-tale signs.