After Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia (also called multi-infarct dementia) is the most common form of dementia. It’s actually not a single disease but a group of various syndromes concerning different mechanisms. It occurs when the supply of blood to the brain gets blocked due to a problem with the vascular system of the body, which supplies nutrients and oxygen to the brain. This affects the cortex region, the part that’s responsible for memory, learning and understanding of languages, which are some of the mental functions that are affected by vascular dementia. Other typical symptoms include weak memory, dizziness, rapid movements like walking or excessive blinking and loss of control over voluntary functions like bowel and bladder movements. The behavioral pattern of the patient suffering from vascular dementia also changes. Slurring of speech, getting lost even in familiar surroundings, inability to comprehend what’s being said or asked, and emotional outbursts are some additional symptoms.
People who have had strokes, diabetics, heart patients, and patients of hypertension are at a greater risk of suffering from vascular dementia. Obesity and excessive smoking are also known to be causes of the syndrome, with men being more at risk than women.
Treatment
Further damage to the brain can be prevented only if vascular dementia is detected in the initial stages. Medications to improve blood circulation to the brain and to avoid strokes are two primary ways to curb vascular dementia. And, therapies like physiotherapy, vocational and speech therapies help patients suffering from vascular dementia. Unfortunately, there are no medications to reverse the damage caused to the brain tissues. So, the best way to prevent vascular dementia is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Avoid high cholesterol food, as it’s the cause of most ailments like hypertension, heart disease, strokes, obesity, and diabetes. Give up oily, greasy, sugary, and fatty foods. Include lean meats and fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, potatoes, cereals, pasta, and beans in your platter. Especially include Vitamins B Complex, C and E in your diet. Avoid excessive smoking, drinking, and stress and tension. To promote blood circulation to the brain, regular exercises, simple breathing exercises and meditation are important too. Aromatherapy and a regular head massage also improve blood circulation. Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, or peppermint in your bath tub and relax for about 20 minutes. If you experience dementia-like symptoms, get yourself examined immediately. It may just be some other minor ailment with similar symptoms.