An estimated 55 million persons are believed to be dwelling with dementia, based on the World Health Organization. Vascular illnesses contribute to roughly 25% of all diagnoses.
When blood vessels are broken or blocked, it will probably deprive your mind of significant oxygen and vitamins, which may result in a situation known as vascular dementia.
"Vascular changes in the brain most often damage the axons — or cables — that connect different parts of the brain," says Dr. Stephen English, a Mayo Clinic neurologist. "Therefore, signals take longer to travel, so our brains are not working at full speed."
Dr. English says the indicators of vascular dementia embrace issues with reasoning, planning, judgment, reminiscence and different thought processes. Factors that improve the chance of coronary heart illness and stroke additionally elevate vascular dementia threat.
"High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity and sleep apnea — these are the modifiable risk factors that, if untreated, can cause wear and tear on the small blood vessels in the brain over time," says Dr. English.
If you’re in danger or present indicators of vascular dementia, seek the advice of a neurologist.
"We can potentially augment some of these risk factors," says Dr. English. "Medications and lifestyle changes can lower blood pressure and cholesterol; we can treat sleep apnea with certain devices or surgeries; and we can help you stop smoking. These are some things that can reduce the risk of developing vascular dementia."
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