User:Mr. Ibrahem/Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia (VaD) is long-term, progressive cognitive decline due to insufficient blood flow to the brain. It can effect memory, executive function, spatial abilities, language, or attention. Onset may be gradual, sudden, or stepwise in nature. Other symptoms may include paranoia and hallucinations. Complications may include falls, aspiration pneumonia, and pressure sores. Associated condition may include heart disease.

Risk factors include hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, diabetes, and tobacco use. The underlying mechanism may involved atherosclerosis, thrombosis, or vasculopathy. Diagnosis often requiring speaking with the people who support the affected person and may be supported by cognitive testing and medical imaging. Other causes should be ruled out.

There is no cure. Treatment involves preventing worsening by addressing risk factors and efforts to improve behavior. Cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine may help. In those with evidence of a stroke, aspirin, warfarin, or carotid endarterectomy may help. Life expectancy is shortened.

Vascular dementia represents about 16% of dementia cases, being the second most common cause after Alzheimer's. It becomes more common with age, with a typical onset between 60 and 75. Males are more commonly affected than females. That strokes can result in dementia has been described since the 1800s.