Vascular dementia Health Dictionary

Pertaining to blood vessels... vascular

An acquired and irreversible deterioration in intellectual function. Around 10 per cent of people aged over 65 and 20 per cent of those aged 75 or over are affected to some extent. The disorder is due to progressive brain disease. It appears gradually as a disturbance in problem-solving and agility of thought which may be considered to be due to tiredness, boredom or DEPRESSION. As memory failure develops, the affected person becomes bewildered, anxious and emotional when dealing with new surroundings and complex conversations. In professional skilled workers this is frequently ?rst recognised by family and friends. Catastrophic reactions are usually brief but are commonly associated with an underlying depression which can be mistaken for progressive apathy. The condition progresses relentlessly with loss of recent memory extending to affect distant memory and failure to recognise even friends and family. Physical aggression, unsocial behaviour, deteriorating personal cleanliness and incoherent speech commonly develop. Similar symptoms to those in dementia can occur in curable conditions including depression, INTRACRANIAL tumours, SUBDURAL haematoma, SYPHILIS, vitamin B1 de?ciency (see APPENDIX 5: VITAMINS) and repeated episodes of cerebral ISCHAEMIA. This last may lead to multi-infarct dementia.

Treatment If organic disease is identi?ed, it should, where possible, be treated; otherwise the treatment of dementia is alleviation of its symptoms. The affected person must be kept clean and properly fed. Good nursing care in comfortable surroundings is important and sedation with appropriate drugs may be required. Patients may eventually need institutional care. (See ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE.)... dementia

DEMENTIA was traditionally divided into presenile and senile types; this is increasingly recognised as an arbitrary division of a condition in which there is a general and often slow decline in mental capabilities. Around 10 per cent of people over 65 years of age and 20 per cent over 75 are affected by dementing illness, but people under 65 may also be affected. Treatable causes such as brain tumour, head injury, ENCEPHALITIS and alcoholism are commoner in younger people. Other causes such as cerebrovascular disease – which is a major factor, especially among older people – or ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE are not readily treatable, although ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS for the former disorder may help, and symptomatic treatment for both is possible.

Individuals with dementia suffer a gradual deterioration of memory and of the ability to grasp what is happening around them. They often cover up their early failings and the condition may ?rst become apparent as a result of emotional outbursts or uncharacteristic behaviour in public. Eventually personal habits and speech deteriorate and they become thoroughly confused and di?cult to look after. Treatment is primarily a matter of ameliorating the symptoms, coupled with a sympathetic handling of the sufferer and the relatives. Admission to hospital or nursing home may be necessary if relatives are unable to look after the patient at home. (See also MEDICINE OF THE AGEING.)... senile dementia

The narrowing of the blood vessels in the legs and, less commonly, in the arms. Blood ?ow is restricted, with pain occurring in the affected area. If the blood supply is seriously reduced, GANGRENE of the tissues supplied by the affected vessel(s) may occur and the limb may need to be amputated. The common cause is ATHEROSCLEROSIS which may be brought on by HYPERTENSION, excessively fatty diet, poorly controlled DIABETES MELLITUS or smoking – the latter being the biggest risk factor, with 90 per cent of affected patients having been moderate to heavy smokers. Stopping smoking is essential; adequate exercise and a low-fat diet are important measures. Surgery may be required.... peripheral vascular disease

Arteriosclerotic disease. Due to atheromatic change in blood vessels of the brain. Infarcts.

Symptoms. High cholesterol levels, pathological laughing and crying, depression, delusion. Alternatives. Evening Primrose, Oats, Alfalfa, Garlic. German Chamomile, Gotu Kola, Ginkgo, Ginseng. Hawthorn, Rutin.

Powders. Formula: Hawthorn 3; Ginkgo 2; Lily of the Valley 1. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Liquid Extracts. Formula as for powders. Dose: one 5ml teaspoon thrice daily.

Tinctures. Formula as above. Dose: two 5ml teaspoons thrice daily.

Guar gum. Lowers serum fat levels, body weight and blood pressure.

Aromatherapy: massage and inhalation: Rosemary.

Arnica. Lotion: 1 part Tincture Arnica to 20 parts distilled extract Witch Hazel. Wipe over forehead and hair-line 1-3 times daily.

Diet. Egg-yolk, Lecithin, Oatmeal porridge.

Supplements. Vitamins A, B-complex, B12, C and E. Choline, Folic acid, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc. ... dementia, (atherosclerotic)

An outdated term for severe schizophrenia, especially that affecting adolescents or young adults.... dementia praecox

(FTD) a relatively rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of neurons predominantly involving the frontal and/or temporal lobes. First described by Arnold Pick in 1892, it was originally called Pick’s disease. Common symptoms include significant changes in social and personal behaviour, *abulia, blunting of emotions, and language deficits. Compared with *Alzheimer’s disease, a younger population is affected (age 55–65) and more cases have a genetic cause.... frontotemporal dementia

(VEGF) a *growth factor made by both normal cells and their abnormal or malignant counterparts to stimulate new blood vessel formation (see angiogenesis). It can be targeted by a family of drugs known as *angiogenesis inhibitors, which include *bevacizumab.... vascular endothelial growth factor

see cardiovascular system.... vascular system

Progressive loss of brain cells, atrophy; caused by stress and a number of diseases: Huntingdon’s Chorea, Alzheimer’s Disease, Pick’s Disease, syphilis, trauma, and by certain sedative, anxiolytic, diuretic and hypotensive drugs.

Symptoms. Disorientation, failure of memory for recent events, failure to comprehend, unable to form elemental judgements, confusion, ataxia (lack of coordination of muscles), emotional instability with outbursts, forgetful.

Alternatives. Remedies known to sustain the brain. Nervines and alteratives believed to leach from the body deposits of toxic minerals: aluminium, sulphur, mercury, etc. Gotu Kola, Ginseng, Ginkgo, Vitamin E conserve oxygen. Pulsatilla – success reported for mental outbursts. Vasodilator of value. Ginkgo favourably reported.

Teas. Basil, Ginseng, Gotu Kola, German Chamomile, Horsetail, Yarrow.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts, Ginkgo, German Chamomile, Yarrow. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; 1 cup thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Prickly Ash, Ginseng, Ginkgo, Kelp, Pulsatilla.

Powders, Liquid Extracts, Tinctures. Combine: Gotu Kola 3; Vervain 2; Rosemary 1. Doses.

Powders: 500mg; two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon. Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. In water, honey or fruit juice thrice daily.

Incontinence. A frequent problem for which American Cranesbill is indicated.

Aromatherapy. Inhalation: Feverfew, Thyme.

Contra-indicated: Black Cohosh.

Diet. Low salt. Low fat. High fibre. Egg yolk. Lecithin.

Supplements. Folic acid, Vitamins B-complex, B12, C and E. Selenium, to conserve oxygen. Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc.

General. Home help. Meals on Wheels. Service from local Psychogeriatric unit. ... dementia, (senile)