A diagnosis of vascular dementia usually starts with a conversation with a GP. There is no single test for vascular dementia, and a diagnosis may be based on a combination of things.
There are many things that increase a person’s chances of developing vascular dementia. These are called ‘risk factors’. It is possible to avoid some risk factors, while others cannot be controlled.
Read our information for carers about aggression and dementia, what we mean by aggressive behaviour and why a person with dementia may behave aggressively.
Some vascular dementia symptoms can be similar to those of other types of dementia, such as problems with memory and thinking, and changes in mood or behaviour. However, symptoms of vascular dementia may appear in different ways.
There are several different types of vascular dementia. The most common is subcortical vascular dementia, and other types can be caused by a stroke or smaller kinds of stroke.
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia (after Alzheimer's disease). Everyone experiences it differently. Symptoms vary depending on the person, the cause and the areas of the brain that are affected.
Dementia affects everyone differently so it's important to communicate in a way that is right for the person. Listen carefully and think about what you're going to say and how you'll say it. You can also communicate meaningfully without using spoken words.
There are many practical ways that you can support a person with dementia who is experiencing memory loss. Read our advice for some of the most common memory problems.
There are a number of different approaches, including therapy, that can support a person with dementia to cope with memory loss. These approaches can help with feelings and wellbeing.
Dementia Support Line