VaD develops when there is reduced blood flow to the brain.

This is mostly caused by stroke and cerebrovascular diseases. Diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol levels increase the risk of stroke.

These conditions either directly cause brain damage or affect the health of the blood vessels.

In the latter, the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to neurons (the functional units of the brain) is disrupted, leading to injury and cell death. Consequently, brain structures that are vital for cognitive functions are damaged, leading to cognitive deficits.

The severity of VaD and the trajectory of cognitive function can vary widely depending on the underlying cause, and the location and extent of brain damage.

Confusion	Slowed thinking, difficulty organising thoughts
Poorer concentration	Trouble communicating (eg. understanding, finding correct words)
Behavioural changes (sundowning: when these changes worsen in the evening)	Memory loss

What happens if one has VaD? Can VaD be reversed?

VaD is a progressive condition, meaning that the condition gradually worsens with time. Typically, VaD patients experience a stepwise pattern of cognitive decline: their abilities deteriorate after a stroke, then stabilize. Further deterioration can occur following subsequent strokes.

While VaD is a progressive condition, prompt management and interventions can not only help to prevent further damage but also slow the disease progression.

The treatment of VaD is often focused on managing cognitive symptoms and controlling underlying medical conditions.

• Symptomatic improvement: Medications such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChE-Is) and memantine are typically used to treat Alzheimer’s, but they may be used for the treatment of VaD too.

• Control underlying medical conditions: Medicines that control diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of stroke may also be prescribed.

There is currently no available treatment to repair the damage that causes vascular dementia.

CognivAiD employs a novel approach to target the root causes of VaD. Speak with your healthcare profesisonal today to find out what might work best for you.

VaD develops when there is reduced blood flow to the brain.

This is mostly caused by stroke and cerebrovascular diseases. Diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol levels increase the risk of stroke.

These conditions either directly cause brain damage or affect the health of the blood vessels.

In the latter, the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to neurons (the functional units of the brain) is disrupted, leading to injury and cell death. Consequently, brain structures that are vital for cognitive functions are damaged, leading to cognitive deficits.

The severity of VaD and the trajectory of cognitive function can vary widely depending on the underlying cause, and the location and extent of brain damage.

What happens if one has VaD? Can VaD be reversed?

VaD is a progressive condition, meaning that the condition gradually worsens with time. Typically, VaD patients experience a stepwise pattern of cognitive decline: their abilities deteriorate after a stroke, then stabilize. Further deterioration can occur following subsequent strokes.

While VaD is a progressive condition, prompt management and interventions can not only help to prevent further damage but also slow the disease progression.

The treatment of VaD is often focused on managing cognitive symptoms and controlling underlying medical conditions.

• Symptomatic improvement: Medications such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChE-Is) and memantine are typically used to treat Alzheimer’s, but they may be used for the treatment of VaD too.

• Control underlying medical conditions: Medicines that control diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of stroke may also be prescribed.

There is currently no available treatment to repair the damage that causes vascular dementia.

CognivAiD employs a novel approach to target the root causes of VaD. Speak with your healthcare profesisonal today to find out what might work best for you.