{"id":20315,"date":"2024-09-24T11:15:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-24T11:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/?page_id=20315"},"modified":"2026-02-25T15:31:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T15:31:55","slug":"vascular-dementia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/types-of-dementia\/vascular-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"Vascular dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia after <\/span>Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/span><\/a>. It is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. It can cause problems with concentration, thinking and carrying out daily activities.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This guide, written by our specialist dementia nurses, explores the symptoms, causes and treatments of vascular dementia.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is vascular dementia? <\/a><\/h2>\n

Vascular dementia is a form of dementia that occurs when the brain does not receive enough blood supply, meaning it cannot carry out its normal functions.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is caused by damage or disease to the blood vessels in the brain, often as the result of a <\/span>stroke<\/span><\/a> or transient ischaemic attack(s) (TIAs), also known as \u2018mini strokes\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vascular dementia can also result from other conditions that affect the supply of blood to the brain, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How does vascular dementia differ from other types of dementia?<\/h3>\n

The main difference between vascular dementia and other types is that vascular dementia is caused by the brain not getting enough blood, whereas other common forms (eg <\/span>Alzheimer’s disease<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>frontotemporal dementia<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Lewy body dementia<\/span><\/a>) are caused by abnormal proteins building up in the brain.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The early symptoms of vascular dementia also differ from some other types \u2013 for example, changes in mood, behaviour and personality are initially more common than memory problems.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How blood flow affects the brain<\/a><\/h2>\n

Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain, and every aspect of human functioning depends on the brain having an adequate blood supply. When this is reduced, the nerve cells in the brain cannot communicate with each other and eventually die.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If the blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a sudden or gradual blockage or damage to blood vessels, it can lead to symptoms of vascular dementia.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common signs and symptoms of vascular dementia\u00a0 <\/a><\/h2>\n

While everyone will have their own experiences of vascular dementia, many people will share common symptoms.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Early signs of vascular dementia\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

The early signs of vascular dementia include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n