Vascular dementia is simply one type of dementia. The term dementia refers to several progressive brain diseases and is used as an umbrella term. The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and vascular dementia. Vascular dementia is caused when individuals suffer from impaired blood flow. This type of dementia is more common among those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
Difference Between Alzheimer’s & Vascular Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease happens when neurons in the brain begin to die due to clumps of sticky proteins. Vascular dementia, on the other hand, is from impaired blood flow. The diseases also attack different parts of the brain. Alzheimer’s affects the grey matter, while vascular dementia affects the white matter. Vascular dementia is more likely to affect movement in the earlier stages than Alzheimer’s.
The Difference Between Parkinson’s & Vascular Dementia
The biggest difference between vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease is that Parkinson’s doesn’t always lead to dementia. Parkinson’s affects mobility, similar to vascular dementia, and both are brain disorders that may stem from vascular problems. Parkinson’s disease may also affect memory, like vascular dementia but not in every case.
Vascular dementia symptoms include memory loss, reduced ability to organize thoughts or actions, confusion and trouble concentrating, and trouble paying attention.
Parkinson’s disease symptoms include slowed movement, muscle rigidity, shuffled walking, quiet speech, and issues with swallowing.
During the end-stage of all types of dementia, the symptoms tend to be the same across the board.
Quality Home Care for Dementia Patients in Wichita, KS
Do you have a family member or loved one suffering from dementia? Call (316) 691-5050 and talk to one of our staff at Progressive Care. We are one of Kansas’s largest home care providers with personnel trained in dementia care. We offer daily 24-hour living assistance, including nighttime watch and personal care.
