Vascular Dementia Treatment
There's no cure for vascular dementia. Any destruction of brain cells is permanent.
Treatment aims at the underlying cause of vascular dementia. At best, treatment can slow down the progression of the disease.
Medicine
Medicine to treat high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes may help slow down brain cell damage.
Doctors may prescribe aspirin or blood thinners to reduce the chances of blood clots. Do not take aspirin without checking with your doctor.
Doctors don't use Alzheimer's medicines to treat vascular dementia. But they may use them for people who have both diseases.
Lifestyle changes
Preventing having another stroke may help slow down the progression of vascular dementia.
Your doctor may suggest that you or your loved one:
- Quit smoking.
- Start a mild exercise routine (like walking).
- Lose weight.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet.
- Cut out or cut down on alcohol.
- Remove safety hazards in the home.
- Stick to a routine.
Other treatments for vascular dementia
Occupational and physical therapy may help manage the symptoms of vascular dementia.
They can also help you stay active and mobile as long as possible.
Vascular dementia prognosis/survival rate
There's no cure for vascular dementia at the current time.
On average, a person lives about five years after symptoms start. Someone with vascular dementia is most likely to die from a stroke or heart attack.