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Vascular Dementia |
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Vascular Dementia
 Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Signs and Symptoms Vascular dementia (VaD) can occur suddenly or progress slowly over time. At times, people with VaD experience long periods without any noticeable changes, or even improvements. However, if another stroke occurs, their symptoms may progress rapidly.
The condition often occurs with Alzheimer's disease, which further complicates its progression. VaD causes similar symptoms to those associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), such as memory loss. However, memory problems caused by VaD are usually easier to overcome with cues and reminders.
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty with organization and solving complex problems
- Slowed thinking
- Distraction or "absent mindedness"
- Difficulty retrieving words from memory
- Walking with rapid, shuffling steps
- Speech difficulties
- Difficulty following instructions
Other symptoms may include:
- Mood and behavior changes, such as depression, irritability or apathy
- Hallucinations or delusions, which may be very distressing to the patient and their caregiver
- Balance and movement problems
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 13, 2008
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