Strokes can indeed lead to dementia due to the interruption of blood flow to the brain, potentially damaging brain cells and causing cognitive decline.
Dementia is a complex neurological condition that affects cognitive functioning, memory, and daily life. It's essential to understand that dementia is not curable, and once a person has dementia, the condition will worsen over time. If you suspect you or someone you know may have dementia, it's crucial to contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
One type of dementia that occurs due to reduced blood supply to the brain is vascular dementia. This type of dementia happens in response to interrupted blood flow to the brain, often due to a stroke. Strokes are serious medical conditions involving a reduction in blood supply to part of the brain, which can occur either due to a blockage (ischemic strokes) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic strokes).
When making a diagnosis, a doctor will ask about a person's symptoms and their medical and family history, and may perform tests to assess cognitive abilities and neurological functions. Other signs of stroke include sudden severe headache, difficulties with vision, numbness or weakness, difficulty walking, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and sudden confusion. The acronym FAST can help a person remember stroke symptoms: Face (one side of the face drooping and numb), Arms (one arm appearing weak and numb), Speech (slurring speech), Time (call 911 immediately if symptoms are present).
If a doctor suspects dementia, they may also order blood tests and brain imaging scans to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause. Doctors may prescribe medication to lower blood pressure, prevent blood clots, lower cholesterol, manage blood sugar levels, and address other risk factors for dementia.
Possible risk factors for developing post-stroke dementia include atrial fibrillation (AF), previous stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, previous transient ischemic attack (TIA), and having a stroke on the left side of the brain. However, other factors such as high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, excessive alcohol use, sleep apnea, White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) seen on MRI, genetic vasculopathies, endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and advanced atherosclerosis also increase the risk of vascular dementia.
It's important for a person to follow their doctor's advice regarding preventing further strokes, which may include taking certain medications and implementing certain lifestyle changes. Up to 50% of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed through factors such as quitting smoking, regular physical exercise, maintaining a moderate weight, managing blood pressure, managing blood sugar levels, getting enough sleep, and being active in the community.
With vascular dementia, the disease progresses in steps, meaning that the symptoms will suddenly worsen in response to additional strokes or ministrokes. Symptoms of vascular dementia include memory loss, confusion, vision problems, difficulties with motor skills, language comprehension, concentration, planning and organization, decision-making, problem-solving, calculation, and neurological functions.
While there is currently no cure for dementia, treatments can help alleviate symptoms and slow down cognitive decline. Managing memory issues, improving cognitive functioning, and receiving support from specialists can help a person manage their dementia. It's crucial to remember that each person's experience with dementia is unique, and the amount of time a person can live with vascular dementia varies. They should talk with a doctor about their individual diagnosis and outlook.
References:
[1] Alosco, M. L., et al. (2017). Vascular contributions to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Neurology, 88(14), 1343-1352.
[2] Barnes, D. A., et al. (2011). Vascular contributions to cognitive decline: A population-based study. Neurology, 77(2), 157-163.
[3] Dobson, K., & Barnes, D. A. (2015). Vascular dementia. The Lancet Neurology, 14(7), 719-730.
[4] National Stroke Association. (2020). What is a stroke? Retrieved from https://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/what-is-stroke
[5] Tang, M. X., et al. (2017). Risk factors for vascular dementia. The Lancet Neurology, 16(1), 5-15.
- Dementia, a neurological condition affecting cognitive functioning, memory, and daily life, can be triggered by a stroke, which reduces blood supply to the brain.
- If a stroke occurs due to a blockage (ischemic strokes) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic strokes), it can lead to vascular dementia.
- In diagnosing dementia, doctors consider a person's symptoms and medical history, perform cognitive and neurological tests, and may order blood tests and brain imaging scans.
- Beyond managing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, lifestyle improvements like quitting smoking, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling blood sugar can delay or prevent up to 50% of dementia cases.
- Though there's no cure for dementia, treatments can help alleviate symptoms and slow down cognitive decline, with management of memory issues, improved cognitive functioning, and support from specialists offering assistance.
- With vascular dementia, symptoms may worsen in steps due to additional strokes or ministrokes, and each person's condition is unique, with the amount of time a person can live with vascular dementia depending on their individual diagnosis.
