Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Like other forms of dementia, vascular dementia affects the elderly, particularly people between the ages of 60 and 75. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) notes that men have vascular dementia more often than women. The patient has a decline in cognitive functions as a result of a disrupted blood flow in the brain. Helpguide.org notes that a series of small strokes causes the most common type of vascular dementia, multi-infarct dementia. The inadequate blood flow damages the brain cells.
Cognitive Symptoms
A patient with vascular dementia may have memory problems, which affects his ability to recall stored memories, form new memories or both. The Alzheimer's Association notes that the severity and type of memory loss depend on the location of the damage in the brain. For example, damage to the hippocampus, the part of the brain that converts short-term memories into long-term memories, prevents the patient from storing new memories. A doctor can detect the area of the brain damaged by using a brain scan, such as an MRI or CT scan. The patient may also have concentration problems and difficulty following directions. Confusion may also occur, which worsens at night, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Other cognitive problems with vascular dementia include difficulty planning and language problems.
Movement Problems
Vascular dementia also affects the patient's ability to move. For example, the patient may experience sudden weakness. The weakness can occur in the patient's arm or leg. Helpguide.org notes that when the patient moves, he may walk with rapid, shuffling steps. The patient may also slur his speech when he talks. The Alzheimer's Association adds that the movement problems, combined with the cognitive decline, cause the patient to have problems taking care of herself.
Other Symptoms
Helpguide.org states that vascular dementia causes abnormal behavior in the patient. For example, the patient may cry or laugh at inappropriate times. The patient may also wander or get lost easily, even in places he knows well. Other symptoms of vascular dementia include a loss of bowel or bladder control, dizziness and difficulty managing money. The NINDS adds that the problems managing money affects the patient's ability to complete monetary transactions appropriately: she might, for instance, overpay for an item.
