Everything you need to know about vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is a subject that often surfaces in conversations about elderly care, yet it remains confusing for many.

As the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, it impacts countless individuals and their families across the globe.

What is vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is a term used to describe cognitive impairments that result from issues related to blood flow to the brain and is estimated to affect over 180,000 people in the UK.

These issues may arise from a stroke or other blood vessel problems and can lead to brain damage over time.

The brain’s ability to think, reason and remember can be significantly impaired due to these circulatory issues.

Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which tends to have a gradual onset, vascular dementia can occur suddenly after a stroke or may develop more slowly due to smaller, repetitive blood flow problems.

Symptoms

The symptoms of vascular dementia can vary widely depending on the part of the brain that’s affected and may include:

• Memory problems – Difficulties with memory recall and learning new information
• Cognitive impairment – Challenges with reasoning, planning and organising thoughts
• Emotional changes – Mood swings, depression or emotional numbness
• Physical symptoms – Weakness, difficulty in walking or problems with balance and coordination
• Communication difficulties – Trouble with speaking or understanding speech

Treatments

Currently, there is no cure for vascular dementia, and there is no way to reverse any loss of brain cells that occurred prior to the diagnosis of the condition.

Instead, treatments aim to manage symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease and improve overall quality of life.

Common treatments include:

• Medication – Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood-thinning medications may be prescribed to improve blood flow to the brain
• Therapy – Occupational, physical and speech therapies can help manage symptoms and maintain independence
• Lifestyle changes – Encouragement of a healthy diet, regular exercise and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can be beneficial

How we support our clients with vascular dementia

At Nexus Care, we are committed to providing personalised, compassionate support for clients with vascular dementia. Our tailored care includes, but is not limited to:

• Personalised care plans – Developing individualised care plans that consider the specific needs, preferences and circumstances of each client
• Professional and trained staff – Employing skilled professionals trained in dementia care to ensure the best support
• Home care services – Enabling clients to maintain their independence at home through support with daily activities, medication management and companionship
• Family support – Offering guidance to family members to help them understand and cope with their loved one’s condition

Vascular dementia is a complex and challenging condition, but understanding its nature, recognising the symptoms and knowing the available treatments can make a significant difference in managing the disease.

Nexus Care’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to those with vascular dementia exemplifies the compassionate, personalised approach needed to enhance the lives of those affected by this condition.

Increasing awareness

At Nexus Care Services, we will be putting our best foot forward next month by taking part in a Memory Walk for the Alzheimer’s Society in Birmingham.

We are passionate about raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease so more than a dozen members of our team are hoping to raise awareness for the condition on 16 September by walking up to seven kilometres around Sutton Park.

At Nexus Care Services, we provide tailored care plans to support your individual needs. If you or a loved one needs support, contact us today at 0121 308 2906.