 Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy, occurs due to mutations in the HTRA1 gene. It is associated with alopecia, and spondylosis, in addition to cerebral small vessel disease.
Familial cerebral amyloid angiopathy has been described with mutations in the APP, ITM2B, and CST3 genes.
How is vascular dementia diagnosed?
- Diagnosis of vascular dementia is made based on a person’s symptoms, medical history, current health and lifestyle, blood tests, imaging tests and cognitive assessment. Following the initial blood tests to rule out treatable causes, the doctor would refer the person to a specialist for cognitive tests to assess their attention, planning and thinking speed. The specialist may carry out brain scans to help make a diagnosis. CT scan and MRI scan may show changes associated with stroke or white matter disease, in addition to revealing fluid buildup or tumours in the brain, if present.
- Investigations will also aim to identify conditions that may be contributing to the progression of vascular dementia. These conditions include high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes and high cholesterol.
- If the person has any family history of vascular dementia, or related conditions (such as heart problems), they should mention this to the doctor.
- Always consult a doctor if you experience any sudden symptoms, such as slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, or blurred vision - even if they are only temporary. These symptoms may be caused by temporary interruptions in the blood supply within the brain. If left untreated, they can lead to permanent damage.
Is there a cure? Can vascular dementia be treated?
- Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for vascular dementia or for reversing the changes in the brain caused by vascular dementia. Management includes identifying the underlying cause and treating it to prevent further strokes. This may help slow down the progression of vascular dementia.
Treatment includes medications for maintaining blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar in the normal range. Treatment also focuses on preventing clots, incorporating lifestyle strategies such as regular exercise, adopting the Mediterranean diet, avoiding smoking, minimizing alcohol, and engaging in physiotherapy and rehabilitation to regain strength.
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