Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Vascular Dementia?

Vascular dementia occurs when blood flow to the brain is impaired, reducing oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. This causes damage and leads to the decline in thinking and motor skills. This is different from Alzheimer’s disease, which is primarily caused by protein buildup.

Smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes are all identified as key risk factors for vascular dementia.

Early symptoms of vascular dementia often involve trouble with planning, organizing and handling complex tasks. 

An MRI helps doctors detect abnormalities in brain tissue and blood vessels, which can indicate vascular damage and support a diagnosis of vascular dementia.