Vascular Dementia Treatment

Currently, there isn’t a cure for vascular dementia. Once damage has been done to the brain, there isn’t currently any treatments offered to reverse these effects. With that being said, there are treatment options available in order to prevent future damage and to potentially reduce the progression of symptoms.

Why It’s Important to Seek Treatment Early

Once you notice that something just isn’t quite right, it’s important to seek a professional opinion. The sooner you’re diagnosed, the more rapidly an effective treatment plan can be created. Once being diagnosed with vascular dementia, it’s important to take action regarding preventative measures for future complications and to build social support.

Since vascular dementia is so closely linked to strokes and other cardiovascular-related conditions, treatment plans can help reduce your risk of having another stroke or even a fatal heart attack. By making key changes to your lifestyle, you could reduce the rate of progression.

Targeting the Causes of Vascular Dementia

As mentioned, once damage has occurred there is little you can do to improve damaged areas within the brain. The main goal when treating vascular dementia is to treat the true underlying causes. For instance, many individuals who suffer from subcortical vascular dementia have lived with high blood pressure for many years.

For those who have had a stroke, there are significant preventative measures to reduce your risk of having another. Changes to your lifestyle can be implemented into an effective treatment plan. If you suffer from hypertension, for example, then there are specific things you can do. Losing weight, quitting smoking, eating a more balanced diet, managing stress, and being more active are all key examples.

Medications That Aid in Symptoms of Vascular Dementia

Since vascular dementia is caused by a group of varying conditions, the medication you’ll be prescribed will depend on the underlying condition you’re suffering from. Both donepezil and galantamine are commonly prescribed for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and can be used in cases of vascular dementia as well.

These are not designed specifically for this form of dementia, but they can be effective. This is especially true in cases where individuals are suffering from both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. If you suffer from diabetes and you have not been managing your blood sugar properly, you could experience cognitive impairment. Various medications can be prescribed to help manage glucose readings.

For those who are at risk of blood clots, drugs such as warfarin, a common anticoagulant, may be prescribed to reduce one’s risk of a second stroke. There are also several medications to control both high cholesterol and high blood pressure. This can be discussed with your doctor, based on your personal needs.

Once damage has occurred and symptoms have developed, there are some supportive measures you can take in order to improve your condition. These treatment options are intended to make your life easier and improve your overall quality of life. Speak with your doctor regarding your personal circumstance to see what’s best for you and your family.

NHS. (2015). Vascular Dementia – Treatment. National Health Services. Retrieved from

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vascular-dementia/Pages/Treatment.aspx