Vascular dementia is a term referring to progressive cognitive problems caused by problems in the blood vessels distributing blood to the brain. Like other forms of dementia, people with vascular dementia suffer impairments in memory, logic, reasoning, and other brain-related functions.

These impairments get worse over time. When it becomes difficult for the person to function independently, he or she may need both medical and non-medical home care in Poughkeepsie New York.

There are many reasons why vascular dementia may occur. Stroke is a very common culprit. A stroke occurs when the brain experiences deprivation of oxygen. Without oxygen, the brain’s cells die and are not replaced. The more severe the stroke is, the greater the extent of the damage.

According to experts in health care in Poughkeepsie New York, stroke could require rehabilitation. However, some severe damage is irreparable and leads to vascular dementia.

Stroke is not the sole culprit for vascular dementia. High cholesterol content in the blood can cause blockage of arteries, and hamper the flow of blood to the brain. Hypertension can also raise the risk for vascular dementia, as the body is not distributing blood sufficiently to every organ in the body.

Diabetes, which contributes to the development of high blood pressure, is also a risk factor for vascular dementia.

Vascular dementia, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, does not develop until a person is aged 65 or older. There’s still time for many people to adjust their lifestyles, and reduce their risk for the conditions that lead to it.

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