vascular Dementia

[Andyw60]

I have attended Old People’s Mental Health Memory clinic. Done all the appropriate test then has a MRI and. Cat scan which showed practically normal. All my symptoms are classic Vascular Dementia. When will my specialist be able to make a prognosis. He seems to be slow in coming forward and gives me very little knowledge. What would the probable next steps be please?

[bridgeit]

Hello Andy. Probable next steps for you in my opinion, bearing in mind that I am not medically trained, should be diagnosis or further investigation. If your CT scan is normal, there might well be further investigation prior to any firm diagnosis, let alone a prognosis.

I had years of experience of vascular dementia (as a family carer). The result of a CT scan of the brain for the patient was conclusive, showing hypoattenuated white matter, in this case owing to vascular damage. The patient had experienced several TIAs or mini-strokes over the years, and had chronically high blood pressure owing to genetic predisposition. They were in their late 80s when symptoms became noticeable (memory loss/poor balance/falls/dragging gait/poor continence).

I think it's wise for you to wait for the outcome of the consultant's assessment of your case rather than assume a specific diagnosis at this stage. What appear to be classic symptoms of one condition could apply equally to several others.

Meanwhile, you could do worse than check your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar (for diabetes), exercise regime, diet, vitamin and mineral intake, salt intake, alcohol intake and, if you do smoke, quit. Managing all of these things sensibly and early are thought to prevent and improve white matter disease.

I hope the diagnostic outcome for you is both reassuring and positive/manageable.

[Andyw60 in reply to bridgeit]

Hi Thanx

The specialist is a bit slow in coming forward and he gives me very little information. I’m concerned of a misdiagnosis.

Thanks Again