The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family while creating lasting memories, for children and aging parents alike. There are always the usual stresses that arise this time of year, like making sure gifts are bought, meals are sorted, and activities are planned to keep everyone happy. However, […]
You may have never heard of vascular dementia until you or someone you know is diagnosed with it. Second to Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia is one of the most common types of dementia. Vascular dementia is caused by problems with the blood supply to the brain. This lack of blood flow to the brain can cause severe blood vessel damage and lead to dementia. Similar to other forms of dementia, it is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of vascular dementia in order to assess the severity of the damage and proper care needed.
What are the symptoms of vascular dementia?
The symptoms of vascular dementia vary depending on the severity of the damage to the brain, area affected, and blood vessels damaged. The most common symptoms are:
- Confusion
- Problems with memory
- Inability to organize thoughts or actions
- Restlessness and agitation
- Trouble with concentration
- Depression
These symptoms can be more prevalent following a stroke. In fact, vascular dementia is also called post-stroke dementia.
How is vascular dementia diagnosed?
Vascular dementia symptoms can be unrecognizable, making it tough to diagnose. Thus, doctors recommend a professional memory, thinking, and reasoning screening for those who are considered high risk for this form of dementia. People who have had a stroke or mini stroke, exhibit high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are prime candidates and should be evaluated.
In addition to a medical history examination, the doctor may do lab tests, a neurological exam, brain imaging, carotid ultrasound, or neuropsychological tests.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with vascular dementia, the doctor will then assess the severity of the brain damage and prescribe necessary treatment and care options.
How does Paradise Living Centers care for residents who have dementia?
At Paradise Living Centers, our Care Manager, Kristie Chadwick is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP®) with comprehensive knowledge in dementia care and successful completion of the Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia care training. Her experience and knowledge are invaluable to our residents and their families as we help determine a care plan. We work with the memory care professionals from A Wiser Mind to provide on-site, one-on-one engaging sessions to delay cognitive decline. Our caregivers are also well versed in working with and caring for those with dementia and understand how to best engage with residents for daily living and activities.
To learn more about the dementia care we provide or to schedule a tour of one of our beautiful homes at Paradise Living Centers, please visit our website or call us at (480) 878-4112.
