What Is Vascular Dementia? [Video]

Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by damage to the brain from impaired blood flow, typically resulting from a series of small strokes or other conditions that affect blood vessels and circulation in the brain. This damage can lead to problems with thinking, reasoning, memory, and overall cognitive function. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the brain damage, but they often include difficulties with memory, attention, language, and executive function (planning, decision-making, etc.). Risk factors for vascular dementia include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and a history of strokes or heart disease. Treatment typically involves managing underlying risk factors and symptoms to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.