According to the Dementia Society of America, dementia isn’t a specific disease.
It’s a descriptive term for a collection of symptoms that can be caused by a wide range of progressive neurological disorders affecting the brain.
While Alzheimer’s disease is the most well-known form of dementia, there are over 100 types of dementia, each with different causes, symptoms, and progression. Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, accounting for 17-30% of cases.
Understanding and identifying the different types of dementia is essential for accurate diagnosis, managing symptoms, and receiving the most effective treatment.
In this article, we’ll explore one of the more common forms of dementia, vascular dementia, its symptoms, stages, and how Allegro’s Ensemble Memory can help.
What is Vascular Dementia?
Vascular dementia occurs when small blood clots prevent oxygen from reaching the brain, causing mini-strokes or a stroke, known as Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA). These mini strokes may not cause immediate symptoms, or they may cause temporary confusion. However, each stroke cuts off the blood supply to the brain, and the cumulative effect of these interruptions is often enough to cause vascular dementia.
Symptoms of Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia affects the areas of the brain that play a key role in storing and retrieving information. Symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the damage and the part of the brain affected. Cognitive decline typically occurs as a sudden onset, and symptoms may progress following each attack.
Other symptoms may include:
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking or understanding
- Severe depressions
- Mood swings
- Impaired planning and judgment
- Difficulty walking and poor balance
7 Stages of Vascular Dementia
Similar to other forms of dementia, vascular dementia progresses through various stages. Understanding these seven stages provides a way for medical professionals to monitor disease progression and for individuals to know what to expect.
1. No Cognitive Decline
During the earliest stages of dementia, an individual may function normally with no noticeable signs of memory loss or cognitive decline.
2. Very Mild Cognitive Decline
An individual with vascular disease may begin to experience mild cognitive changes that can be attributed to age-related memory impairment. These changes are not affecting their daily life and are not noticeable to others.
3. Mild Cognitive
Impairment In the third stage of vascular dementia, minor forgetfulness may be noticeable to others. Individuals may struggle with recalling recently learned information or organizing tasks.
4. Moderate Cognitive Decline
There may be obvious signs that something is wrong, which may lead to an official diagnosis of vascular dementia. Individuals may have trouble managing their finances, recalling personal information, or struggling with work or social situations.
5. Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
Individuals begin to require extensive care to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating. During this stage, memory care communities can provide significant support to individuals and their families.
6. Severe Cognitive Decline
During stage six of vascular dementia, individuals are experiencing severe memory gaps and may not recognize family memories, have personality and behavioral changes, a loss of awareness, and confusion with their surroundings.
7. Very Severe Cognitive Decline (Severe Dementia)
An individual in stage seven of vascular dementia is entering the end of life, may be bedridden, and is entirely dependent. They may lose control of motor functions, the ability to communicate, and require 24/7 care.
Allegro’s Approach to Memory Care
Vascular dementia is devastating for the individual and their families. Memory care communities are designed to provide specialized care and support for individuals with dementia.
Allegro’s Ensemble Memory Care Communities offers person-centered care as well as a range of services and amenities, including:
- Life skill centers designed to engage and prompt pleasant memories
- Individualized treatment plans created by highly trained memory care associates
- A dementia supportive floor plan with an outside sensory garden
- Dining experiences focusing on pleasing aromas, tastes, and textures
- Access to professional associations that provide support and education to residents and their families
- Thoughtfully planned suites to encourage safety, self-sufficiency, and comfort
- Health and wellness programs
- Personalized activities and events
Memory Care with Meaning
Choosing a memory care community for a loved one with dementia is a significant and emotional step for families. We understand how difficult it is to trust us with the care of your loved one. Allegro Ensemble offers the appropriate environment of security, structure, and service, plus a program personally tailored to each memory care resident’s needs.
Download Choosing The Right Senior Living Community for our comprehensive guide to help you research, understand costs, and select the best community for yourself or a loved one.
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