What Is a Person with Vascular Dementia Like?

Vascular dementia affects each individual differently, depending on which parts of the brain are damaged and the severity of the condition. Personality, behavior, and cognitive abilities change gradually, but symptoms can vary from day to day. Here, we explore how a person with vascular dementia may experience life and how they may be perceived by others.

Memory Problems and Mental Sharpness

Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, where memory loss is often the first symptom, a person with vascular dementia may retain much of their long-term memory. However, short-term memory may decline, making it difficult to remember what was just said or what they were about to do. Planning, problem-solving, and taking initiative can become challenging.

The person may also struggle to find the right words or express themselves clearly, leading to frustration for both them and those around them.

Mood Swings and Emotional Instability

Emotions can become more unpredictable. Many people with vascular dementia experience irritability, sadness, or hopelessness. Depression and anxiety are common and may be exacerbated by the realization that their abilities are deteriorating.

Sudden emotional outbursts—such as laughing or crying without a clear reason—are also common. This can be confusing for family members, but it is due to the brain’s impaired ability to regulate emotions.

Reduced Concentration and Attention Span

A person with vascular dementia may struggle to maintain focus on conversations or activities for extended periods. They may seem to lose track of discussions quickly or become easily distracted.

In social situations, this can be challenging for both the individual and their loved ones. Someone who was once outgoing and social may withdraw because conversations and interactions feel overwhelming.

Physical Difficulties and Coordination Problems

Because vascular dementia is caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, motor functions may also be affected. Depending on which areas of the brain are impacted, the person may experience balance issues, weakness on one side of the body, or unsteady walking.

This increases the risk of falls, and in some cases, individuals may start moving more slowly and hesitantly than before.

Behavioral Changes and Lack of Initiative

One noticeable change that many family members observe is increased passivity. Activities that once sparked interest may no longer engage the person, and taking initiative to do anything may become difficult.

Repetitive behaviors, such as asking the same question over and over or performing the same action repeatedly, may also emerge. In some cases, the person may develop suspiciousness, and in more severe stages, delusions may occur.

Social Relationships and the Role of Caregivers

The changes associated with vascular dementia affect not only the individual but also their loved ones. Communication may become more difficult, and it can be emotionally challenging to witness a person’s transformation.

Patience, understanding, and adapting daily routines are crucial for creating a safe and manageable environment. Maintaining structure and finding new ways to interact can make a significant difference in how the person experiences life.

Sensorem’s personal alarm has GPS positioning, medication reminders and automatic fall alarm

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people with dementia. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app. Relatives are automatically called by the personal alarm (two-way communication) if the user leaves a predetermined geographical area. The personal alarm also has medication reminders, which means that the watch emits a sound and tells the user that it is time to take their medication. The personal alarm can also alert automatically in the event of a fall with the built-in fall sensor.