Vascular dementia
Domain : Diagnosis
Category : Learn more
Simplified definition
A disease that occurs when the blood vessels in the brain are deprived of oxygen, thus preventing blood from reaching certain areas and causing brain cells to die.
Source: Houria Aiouaz, for Alzheimer Foundation
Referenced definition
“Vascular dementia is a clinical pathological condition in which cerebral lesions of vascular origin lead to diverse cognitive symptoms.”
Source: Munoz DG, Weishaupt N. Vascular dementia. In: Cechetto DF, Weishaupt N, editors. Title: The Cerebral Cortex in Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. American Press; 2016. p. 119-139.
Context
“Vascular dementia is the second most common dementia diagnosis, after Alzheimer’s disease, and can occur alone or alongside another form of dementia.”
Source : Alzheimers.gov. What is vascular dementia. [Internet]. [cited on May 12, 2023].
Note
- Vascular dementia often occurs after an important stroke or multiple small strokes.
- While AD affects the brain gradually, the symptoms of vascular dementia tend to appear suddenly and can vary depending on the area of the brain affected.
- Some examples of symptoms: thinking, concentration, or decision-making difficulties, personality changes, or depression.