End Stage Vascular Dementia Symptoms
Vascular dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic, is the term for cognitive impairments that result from a problem with the brain’s blood supply 1. There are many different types of vascular dementia, and as many as one to four percent of those over the age of 65 will experience some form of the condition 13. The UCSF Memory and Aging Center reports that vascular dementia can be difficult to diagnose 13. However, most forms have similar symptoms in their end stage.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Confusion
Perhaps one of the earliest signs of vascular dementia, confusion is common among most types of the disease 1. In fact, the UCSF Memory and Aging Center reports that memory problems are the most common complaints of those with vascular dementia 13. MedlinePlus reports that people with vascular dementia may become disoriented easily, may have difficulty concentrating and generally experience gradual memory loss 13. By the end stage of vascular dementia, patients may no longer recognize family members, and may not be able to remember their name 13. They generally require assistance with most routine tasks, including getting dressed and even eating.
Agitation
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Patients with vascular dementia may initially be more irritable than normal, and in the later stages of the disease they may be easily agitated 13. According to MedlinePlus, individuals with end stage dementia often undergo personality changes, or may have behavioral problems. The UCSF Memory and Aging Center reports that depression and emotional problems are common in people who have vascular dementia 13. Those with the disease may also display inappropriate emotions to a situation: they may break into laughter or suddenly start crying without being provoked.
Incontinence
The Mayo Clinic reports that people with vascular dementia often have problems with urinary urgency, or incontinence 1. By the end stage of vascular dementia, many can no longer control their bladder function at all 1. While early on they may be able to manage their incontinence, by the end stages most people with vascular dementia require the assistance of a caregiver for their bladder management 1.
Trouble Walking
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Depending on the area of the brain that is affected by vascular dementia, some people may have trouble controlling their muscles, or may have one-sided weakness 1. By the end stages of vascular dementia, many people have difficulty walking 1. Coordinating movements can become increasingly difficult as the disease progresses, according to MedlinePlus. Eventually, due to memory loss and impaired problem solving, a person may simply “forget” how to walk. Many people with end stage vascular dementia are either wheelchair-dependent or bedridden 1.
Language Problems
Many people with vascular dementia have difficulties communicating their needs or carrying on a conversation 1. MedlinePlus reports that language problems are common in this disease, and can result in difficulties with problem solving and word finding (also called aphasia). By the end stages of vascular dementia, many cannot piece together a comprehensive sentence 1. Some may not be able to speak at all.
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References
- Mayo Clinic: Vascular Dementia Symptoms
- Medline Plus: Multi-infarct Dementia
- UCSF Memory and Aging Center: Vascular Dementia
- Román GC. Vascular dementia may be the most common form of dementia in the elderly. J Neurol Sci. 2002;203-204:7-10. doi:10.1016/s0022-510x(02)00252-6
- McKay E, Counts SE. Multi-Infarct Dementia: A Historical Perspective. Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2017;7(1):160-171. doi:10.1159/000470836
- Ramos AR, Dib SI, Wright CB. Vascular Dementia. Curr Transl Geriatr Exp Gerontol Rep. 2013;2(3):188-195.
- Lee AY. Vascular dementia. Chonnam Med J. 2011;47(2):66-71. doi:10.4068/cmj.2011.47.2.66
- Karantzoulis S, Galvin JE. Distinguishing Alzheimer's disease from other major forms of dementia. Expert Rev Neurother. 2011;11(11):1579-1591. doi:10.1586/ern.11.155
- National Institute on Aging. What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis. Updated December 31, 2017.
- Mijajlović MD, Pavlović A, Brainin M, et al. Post-stroke dementia - a comprehensive review. BMC Med. 2017;15(1):11. doi:10.1186/s12916-017-0779-7
- Song J, Lee WT, Park KA, Lee JE. Association between risk factors for vascular dementia and adiponectin. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:261672. doi:10.1155/2014/261672
- Kalaria RN, Akinyemi R, Ihara M. Stroke injury, cognitive impairment and vascular dementia. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2016;1862(5):915-925. doi:10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.01.015
- Rusanen M, Kivipelto M, Quesenberry CP, Zhou J, Whitmer RA. Heavy smoking in midlife and long-term risk of Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia. Arch Intern Med. 2011;171(4):333-339. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2010.393
- Vijayan M, Reddy PH. Stroke, Vascular Dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease: Molecular Links. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;54(2):427-443. doi:10.3233/JAD-160527
- Igoumenou A, Ebmeier KP. Diagnosing and managing vascular dementia. Practitioner. 2012;256(1747):13-6, 2.
- Alzheimer's Association. Vascular Dementia.
- American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). Washington, DC: .
- Plassman, B. L., Langa, K. M., Fisher, G. G., Heeringa, S. G., Weir, D. R., Ofstedal, M. B., et al. (2007). Prevalence of dementia in the United States: The aging, demographics, and memory study. Neuroepidemiology, 29, 125-132.
- UC Memory Disorders Center. Vascular Cognitive Impairment.
Writer Bio
Erica Jacques is an occupational therapist and freelance writer with more than 15 years of combined experience. Jacques has been published on Mybackpaininfo.com and various other websites, and in "Hope Digest." She earned an occupational therapy degree from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland, giving her a truly global view of health and wellness.