Vascular Dementia

Vascular Dementia

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

Currently, there is no treatment available that can repair the effects of vascular dementia (VaD). Treatment approaches are aimed at preventing and controlling major risk factors, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and alcoholism. For instance, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol can be effectively treated with a combination of medicine, regular exercise and a healthy diet. Evidence suggests that treating these conditions greatly reduces the risk of developing dementia.

Studies are ongoing to investigate whether medications for Alzheimer's disease (AD), such as cholinesterase inhibitors are also effective in treating VaD.

Caregiving

Caring for a loved one affected with VaD can be extremely challenging. Caregivers may experience worry, guilt, isolation or a number of other unpleasant feelings and should seek support in dealing with such difficulties. For more information on caring for someone with VaD, please read Coping Strategies for Vascular Dementia (VaD) Caregivers.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 19, 2008