Vascular Dementia as an Aging Issue: Causes and Care

Introduction to Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia became a recognized issue in aging in the late 19th century when Otto Binswanger and Alois Alzheimer identified it as a separate form of neurological disorder, distinct from dementia paralytica. In the 1960s, researchers took another step forward through clinical studies conducted by the Newcastle school in the UK; these trials laid the groundwork for the modern understanding of vascular dementia. Today, vascular dementia is a pressing issue in aging, as physicians have discovered that the most typical vascular change accompanying aging is the increase of cholesterol found in the walls of blood vessels. This has a congestive effect that alters the cognitive ability of the patient. Confusion, disorientation, trouble speaking, and vision loss are all symptoms associated with this condition.

Influence of Demography

While Alzheimer's disease is the leading type of dementia worldwide, vascular dementia is the second most common form, accounting for approximately 17% of all dementia cases globally. Vascular dementia mostly impacts elderly persons — seniors over the age of 70 — and worsens with time, as there is currently no cure. According to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati, "the incidence of vascular dementia is slightly higher among men than among women and appears typically in those between 60 to 75 years of age," though the likelihood of being affected rises significantly with increasing age. Among African-Americans and Asians, vascular dementia is even more prevalent.

Contemporary Aspects of Care

Vascular dementia is an important issue in aging today because of the growing focus on quality of care that healthcare providers strive to offer patients whose diseases have no cure. In the case of vascular dementia, quality care can reduce symptoms, ease suffering, and prevent minor difficulties from escalating into painful episodes or increasingly challenging situations. With the right action plan, nurses and caregivers can help patients with vascular dementia — and their families — cope effectively with the disease and live out the remainder of their lives with as much assistance and support as possible.

Conclusion

As there is no single definitive treatment for vascular dementia, seemingly all options remain open to individuals suffering from the disease. Current areas of the field that receive attention from researchers include ways in which pain associated with the disease might be mitigated through various forms of intervention — both holistic and pharmacological. Further areas of focus include prevention techniques, modifying the home environment to reduce confusion for the patient, and family counseling strategies that aim to educate caregivers and family members in how best to approach and support the patient.

References

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