What Is Vascular Dementia?
Dementia is a complex health concern in the U.S., with roughly 7 million older adults living with it. And as the Baby Boomer generation ages, this number is only expected to rise.
Why is it so complex? For starters, there is general confusion over the topic of dementia. Often, dementia is used interchangeably with other memory-related conditions. But it’s not the same. Dementia is actually just a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that affect a person’s memory, thinking, and decision-making skills so drastically that it impacts their daily life.
Another reason for its complexity? There are multiple types of dementia, all with similar signs and symptoms. One of the more well-known types of dementia is vascular dementia, accounting for about 10 percent of dementia cases.
Signs And Symptoms Of Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is a type of dementia that affects blood vessels in the brain. Usually, this type of dementia happens because the blood vessels in the brain are damaged (most commonly because of a stroke), making it difficult for blood and oxygen to flow to the brain. Because of the vascular (vessel) changes, people with vascular dementia often experience changes to their cognition and brain function. This leads to symptoms such as difficulty completing everyday tasks and following directions; misplacing items or getting lost in familiar places; changes to sleep habits, personality, and behavior; lack of interest in usual hobbies; poor judgment; and hallucinations.
Many dementia symptoms are similar, and it can be difficult to determine the type of dementia someone has. Whether you think you or someone you love may have vascular, or another type of dementia, working with a doctor is always the best course of action.
Caregiving Tips for Vascular Dementia
Caring for a loved one with dementia is going to take time to master. If you’re new to dementia caregiving, these tips can help you transition and provide the best care for your loved one.
- Practice patience. Patience is your best friend when caring for a loved one with dementia. Give your loved one time and grace, and try not to rush them or make them feel inferior if they take extra time to do something.
- Keep things simple. Complex ideas and tasks can be overwhelming for people with dementia. Convey information using simple sentences, and don’t overwhelm them with too much info at once.
- Build a routine. Routines are great for people with dementia because it allows for predictability. Try to help your loved one build a routine by encouraging them to do daily tasks at the same time each day.
- Educate yourself about dementia. Every form of dementia is a bit different and may present your loved one with different challenges. Take time to learn about different forms of dementia so you can better understand your loved one’s experience.
- Ask for help. Caring for a loved one with dementia is hard work. Don’t feel afraid of reaching out to friends and family for help.
- Don’t let dementia define your relationship with your loved one. Dementia is a condition that can lead to behavioral and personality changes, but it doesn’t have to define your relationship with your loved one. Try to continue engaging in activities the two of you enjoy, and don’t be afraid to relax and have fun.
Local Dementia Care Resources in Southwest Colorado
Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado: Offers a wealth of information, support, and resources for local Coloradans experiencing Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center (CUACC): Combines science and education in the quest for care and eventually, a cure, for neurological degeneration diseases.
Dementia Care With Visiting Angels Southwest Colorado
At Visiting Angels, we believe all seniors deserve to enjoy a quality life at home, even with dementia. We help seniors living in the Southwest region of Colorado to successfully age in place through our at-home care services. All of our services are customizable to meet the needs of each client and ensure their safety.
Clients with dementia can benefit from our dementia care services provided by trained caregivers who understand the nuances of the condition. Caregivers assist clients with nonmedical tasks like cooking, cleaning, medication reminders, mobility, transportation, and wandering prevention.
Contact our Southwest Colorado office in Pagosa Springs to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how dementia care services can benefit you.