Can a Stroke cause Dementia? Sadly, Yes!. When a stroke, multiple strokes or mini-stroke occurs, it blocks (infraction) the blood with oxygen flow to the brain, causing damage to brain cells.
In an event of brain cells damaged by stroke produces multiple cognitive problems that cause patients to experience memory problems, become confused, and struggle with reasoning abilities.
Cognitive problems of stroke patients tend to transform into Vascular Dementia over time. Meanwhile, not all strokes lead to dementia, research shows that individuals who have had a stroke are at a higher risk of developing dementia.
Understanding the connection between stroke and dementia allows people to take motivational measures to prevent and protect their cognitive well-being.
Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, and managing risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes, can help protect cognitive well-being.
This blog explains the complex link between strokes and dementia by delivering essential information about maintaining cognitive performance together with helpful strategies. Let’s look deeper into how strokes impact our brain health.
Stroke and Vascular Dementia
In a world where mental health problems are getting more attention, it is critical to focus awareness on the link between stroke and vascular dementia. Stroke, a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or decreased, can have devastating results.
Among the public, there exists some misinterpretation regarding the higher vulnerability of patients who survived a stroke toward developing vascular dementia. 
Vascular dementia is another type of cognitive decline that occurs when there is damage to the blood arteries carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This brain damage, often caused by stroke, can lead to memory loss, difficulty with reasoning and problem-solving, and changes in behaviour.
The development of vascular dementia after stroke depends on the number of brain artery diseases and their brain locations together with personal health status, lifestyle habits and coexisting risk elements such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
Managing and controlling risk factors that contribute to stroke, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can help reduce the risk of both stroke and subsequent vascular dementia.
Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and cognitive therapies are often used to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients affected by vascular dementia resulting from a stroke. Regular medical check-ups and early intervention can also play a crucial role in managing the condition and slowing its progression.
What are the stages of vascular dementia?
Vascular dementia, like other types of dementia, can progress through various stages. These stages are not exact and may vary among individuals. However, they generally include:
Early Stage
In the early stages, symptoms might be mild and not immediately noticeable in some cases. These could include mild cognitive impairments such as difficulties with memory, planning, and concentration. There might also be mild mood swings or slight personality changes are also possible. Often, some individuals can carry out day-to-day activities independently during this stage.
Mid-Stage
As the dementia progresses, symptoms become sadly more noticeable and begin to interrupt day-to-day life. Events of memory become more obvious, as a result directly affecting day-to-day tasks. ie. Getting washed, after toileting cleaning up, dressing correctly. Individuals might experience confusion, have trouble finding the correct words, and face challenges with surroundings and coordination. Behavioural changes and emotional swings can become more noticeable.
Late Stage:
The late (last) stage of vascular dementia shows extensive cognitive deterioration which strongly reduces an individual’s capacity to maintain independent daily tasks. Such dementia patients lose their memory capacity to the extent they do not recognize familiar family members while communication becomes challenging. Vascular dementia mostly affects physical capabilities which include walking as well as swallowing and bladder control. They might require extensive assistance with daily activities and substantial assistance (round-the-clock care), such as hospice and End-of-life care centres.
The progression of vascular dementia is often characterised by a step-by-step decline, where symptoms may stabilise for a period before an unexpected worsening occurs due to further strokes or other vascular events such as brain bleed or artery disease.
The specific dementia stages and their symptom durations can vary greatly among individuals, and not everyone will experience the same symptoms or progress through the stages at the same rate. Symptom management typically involves medication, lifestyle adjustments, cognitive therapy, and support for both the individual affected and their caregivers. Regular medical assessments and adapting care as the condition progresses are important in managing vascular dementia at different stages.
How to prevent stroke and heart attack?
There are several lifestyle changes and preventative measures that can help reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack:
Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, green vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium intake.
Regular Exercise
20 – 30 minutes a day from moderate aerobic activity to muscle-strengthening exercise such as walking, riding, dancing, swimming, climbing, etc.
Benefits of regular physical activity
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Weight loss can be achieved through a mix of good nutrition and frequent exercise.
Quit Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking can dramatically reduce this risk.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol intake may increase blood pressure and add to other risk factors. Moderation is essential, and for many, this means limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for males.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Find healthy stress-management methods such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or counselling.
Regular Health Check-ups
Monitor, control and manage personal conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol through regular check-ups and follow your doctor’s and healthcare provider’s guidance for treatment. It is highly encouraged to seek assistance using assistive technology such as a smartwatch to continuously check blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate.
Medication Adherence
If prescribed medication for heart-related conditions, take it as directed by your doctor or healthcare professional.
Remember, making these lifestyle changes and following healthier habits can dramatically reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. It’s also crucial to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance.
What medication prevents stroke?
Several drugs are widely used to prevent strokes, particularly for people who have certain risk factors or a history of stroke/TIA (transient ischemic attack). Here are a few drugs that are commonly used to prevent strokes:
Antiplatelet Agents
To prevent the formation of blood clots, doctors frequently prescribe antiplatelet agents such as aspirin, clopidogrel, and dipyridamole. These drugs work by inhibiting platelet aggregation and are frequently recommended for people who have experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Anticoagulants
Warfarin (Coumadin), dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), and edoxaban (Savaysa) are all examples of anticoagulants. These medications/drugs work by restricting the clotting factors in the blood, usefully reducing the risk of blood clots. Drugs are frequently prescribed for conditions like atrial fibrillation to minimise the chance of stroke caused by blood clots originating in the heart.
Blood Pressure Medications
Managing high blood pressure is vital for minimising the risk of strokes. To usefully control blood pressure, doctors repeatedly prescribe a range of medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
Statins
Statins, like Lipitor and Zocor, are medications that effectively lower cholesterol levels. Drugs are widely prescribed to control cholesterol and minimise the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis and suffering from a stroke.
Medications for Diabetes and Other Health Conditions
Taking control of conditions like diabetes and other underlying health problems is crucial in minimising the risk of stroke. By incorporating medications and adopting a healthier lifestyle, you can actively contribute to reducing your chances of experiencing a stroke.
It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate medication(s) based on individual health status, risk factors, and medical history. The decision on medication and dosage should be made in consultation with a doctor who can provide personalized advice and monitoring.
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