How do I recognise vascular dementia

[Adriannej]

loss of memory

[sassy59]

Such a difficult question to answer as there can be very subtle differences over a long period of time. It’s not just memory loss but could be not being able to finish a sentence for example.

A proper diagnosis is needed so seek help from a GP initially and take it from there.

Wishing you the very best. Xxxxx

[Hidden]

Hi Adriannej,

Unfortunately it's just not possible to recognise vascular dementia, any more than it's really possible to diagnose any sickness. We can suspect that we have tonsillitis or flu, and can often make a correct diagnosis, and treat ourselves, with no long term harm done, but symptoms of, and suspicions about, dementia are usually vaguer and can have disastrous consequences if it isn't properly diagnosed.

Early diagnosis and treatment is the best chance of slowing down the process, so I'd say that even if your suspicion or worry about it is only a small niggle, get a medical professional involved as quickly as possible and don't try to second guess what you are seeing or experiencing. It's often fear of hearing the diagnosis that makes people afraid to seek professional help, but it's infinitely better to find out for sure what is, or isn't happening.

[CDreamer]

There is a cognitive test that a nurse from your GP surgery can go through with you but it will require you an instruction from your GP. If anything shows up on that then you can be referred,

It test various cognitive functions apart from but including memory.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Adriannej,

You may find this information helpful from the Alzheimer's Society (UK):

alzheimers.org.uk/info/2000...

Best wishes

[lell1]

Hi adriannej! I don't know how to spot specific vascular dementia symptoms , but I do know that it is often developed after having had a stroke? As with other dementias, it interferes with the skills and processing of skills, e.g. Concept of time, being able to recognise the numbers and what each number represents, hands on a clock or digital time (24/12 hr) , clock faces with digits representing minutes, quarter to/past, 30 min sections. We use a hell of a lot of processing, putting these things together in the correct order so that we know what time it is. It's more than forgetfulness, it's a loss of skills that doesn't always happen chronologically? I hope this makes sense?

[lell1]

Ps....try 'making space ' forum