Vascular dementia is a common form of brain disease affecting 150,000 individuals in the UK. It’s caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which can manifest in various ways. Understanding its warning signs is crucial for making lifestyle changes that slow down progression.
Symptoms may develop suddenly after a stroke or gradually with small vessel disease. Early stages often include:
* Difficulty planning and solving problems
* Slower thinking speed
* Confusion and difficulty concentrating
* Memory issues, such as recalling recent events
* Language difficulties, including fluent speech
Mood changes are also common, with apathy, depression, and anxiety being typical emotions. Individuals may experience rapid mood swings and increased emotional responses.
While there’s no cure or method to reverse the damage, lifestyle choices can help reduce brain cell loss speed. Healthy habits include:
* Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and oily fish
* Maintaining a healthy weight if overweight
* Quitting smoking
* Engaging in regular physical activity
* Reducing alcohol consumption
The NHS recommends treatment options for underlying causes of vascular dementia, such as high blood pressure medication or statins. In stroke-related cases, treatments like aspirin, clopidogrel, and anticoagulant medications can help slow brain decline.
If symptoms are suspected, individuals should book an appointment with their doctor to discuss treatment options.
Source: https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/health/vascular-dementia-early-symptoms-signs-30821363