Vascular dementia facts for kids
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. It happens when the brain doesn't get enough blood.
Your brain cells need a steady supply of blood to stay healthy and work well. Blood travels through a network of tiny tubes called the vascular system. If this system in the brain gets damaged, blood can't reach all the brain cells. When brain cells don't get blood, they can die. This can then lead to vascular dementia.
What are the signs of vascular dementia?
It can sometimes be tricky to tell different types of dementia apart. This is because their signs can be similar. For example, Alzheimer's disease often happens at the same time as vascular dementia.
People with vascular dementia often show changes in their thinking skills. These changes can appear suddenly or slowly. They often happen after several small strokes. Sometimes, a person might seem to get better between these events. Then, they might get worse after more "silent" strokes. A very fast decline can lead to serious health problems.
The signs of vascular dementia are often like those of other dementias. They mainly include a decline in thinking and memory. These changes are serious enough to make daily activities harder. Doctors might also see other specific signs. Brain scans like CT or MRI can show problems with blood vessels in the brain.
How thinking and movement change
People with vascular dementia might have different kinds of problems with their thinking. They often remember things better than people with Alzheimer's disease. They also tend to make fewer memory mistakes. In some cases, people might have trouble speaking. This can include problems forming words (called dysarthria) or understanding language (called aphasia).
Sometimes, the front part of the brain, called the frontal lobe, is affected. This can lead to problems with things like speaking easily or paying attention. People might also feel a lack of interest or motivation. They might have trouble switching between different tasks. Abstract thinking can also become harder. Feeling apathetic (lacking interest) early in the disease can be a sign of vascular dementia.
Some rare genetic conditions can also cause blood vessel damage in the brain. These usually appear earlier in life. They can also progress more quickly. Infections can also harm arteries and cause strokes.
See also
In Spanish: Demencia vascular para niños
