Because vascular dementia is caused by strokes, the risk factors for vascular dementia are the same as those associated with stroke-- high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. To a large extent, these risk factors are controllable, unlike the only solidly established risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, age, family history and Down syndrome and Apolipoprotein E status

While no treatment can reverse damage that has already been done, treatment to prevent additional strokes is very important. To prevent additional strokes, medicines to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes can be prescribed. A healthy diet, exercise and avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol also lessen the risk of further strokes.

Carol Bradley Bursack

7/ 8/10 8:43am

My uncle has vascular dementia after his third major stroke. As Suzanne says, taking steps to prevent stroke risk should help prevent vacular dementia. The are cases of vascular dementia were no evidence of a stroke is present - even mini-strokes. Also, researchers are finding that many dementias are mixed, such as vascular and Alzheimer's.

 

Stay healthy overall - it's the best thing we can do even though diet and exercise is hard for many of us.

Carol

Carol Bradley Bursack

7/ 8/10 8:43am

My uncle has vascular dementia after his third major stroke. As Suzanne says, taking steps to prevent stroke risk should help prevent vacular dementia. The are cases of vascular dementia were no evidence of a stroke is present - even mini-strokes. Also, researchers are finding that many dementias are mixed, such as vascular and Alzheimer's.

 

Stay healthy overall - it's the best thing we can do even though diet and exercise is hard for many of us.

Carol