Senior Care in Old Greenwich CT
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but did you know that vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia? Vascular dementia is caused when there is a lack of blood flow to the brain, which could be the result of a stroke or a series of strokes. These strokes may be difficult to notice right away, but can cause significant memory loss, confusion, and other symptoms of dementia over time.
The severity of an elder’s vascular dementia depends on the severity of the strokes they suffered from. Some cases could be extremely mild, while others are much more critical. As the elder’s condition progresses, they will eventually need to be cared for around-the-clock by a senior care provider. In order to determine if this is something your loved one is at risk for, here are some of the most common symptoms of this disease.
Changes in Behavior
- Trouble communicating with other people and frequently unable to find the right words
- Slurred speech
- Crying or laughing at inappropriate times
- Difficulty following instructions, organizing, or planning
- Unable to accomplish simple tasks, like paying bills or playing a favorite game
- Easily getting lost in familiar surroundings
Emotional Problems
- Frequently becoming forgetful
- Changes in mood, such as becoming depressed, agitated, or angry, or sad
- Thinking at a slower pace
- Experiencing delusions or hallucinations
- Becoming easily confused, especially at night
- Becoming withdrawn from social events
Physical Red Flags
- Leg or arm becomes weak
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Rapid movement with shuffling steps
- Lack of balance
- Unable to control their bladder or bowel movements
Risk Factors
There are a number of risk factors that may put your elderly parent at a greater risk of developing vascular dementia. They include:
- Age. Adults over the age of 65 are at a greater risk for contracting this disease.
- High cholesterol. If your loved one has high LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels, they are at an increased risk of vascular dementia.
- Diabetes. When glucose levels become too high, blood vessels can be damaged throughout the body, which includes the brain.
- Atrial fibrillation. An abnormal heart rhythm can significantly reduce blood flow to the brain, which can also increase the elder’s chance of developing blood clots.
- History of strokes or heart attacks. These health problems can also cause problems in how much blood flow gets to the brain.
- Smoking. Smoking can damage the body’s blood vessels, including those leading to the brain.
Vascular dementia can be a serious condition if not properly treated. If you notice any of these symptoms, have your loved one contact their doctor as soon as possible.
Source:
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia/vascular-dementia.htm
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Old Greenwich, CT or the surrounding areas, please contact SYNERGY HomeCare of Stamford, CT at 203-661-6969.
