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Vascular dementia

Also called Multi-infarct dementia or Vascular cognitive impairment

Vascular dementia is a common type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke or a series of small strokes, or because of damage to small blood vessels. It mostly affects older people. Symptoms can start suddenly or gradually, and often get worse in steps. High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol increase the risk.

Last updated Nov 9, 2026

What it is

There is no cure, but treating the causes, such as blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, can help slow it down.

Support such as memory aids, therapies and help with daily life can make living with it easier for the person and their family.

Common signs

  • Slowed thinking
  • Problems with planning and concentration
  • Memory problems
  • Changes in mood or personality
  • Difficulty walking or balance problems
  • Confusion

How it is usually diagnosed

  • Memory and thinking tests
  • Blood tests
  • CT or MRI brain scan
  • Assessment by a memory clinic

Records worth keeping

Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:

  • Memory clinic letters
  • Brain scan reports
  • Blood test results
  • Medicine lists
  • Care plans

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What can we do to slow it down?
  • What support is available for us?
  • Should we plan ahead for future care and decisions?

When to get help right away

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

  • Sudden face drooping, arm weakness or speech problems: call 112 immediately, it may be a stroke

This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.

Sources

Related conditions

DementiaA group of symptoms caused by diseases of the brain that affect memory, thinking and daily life, and get worse over time.Alzheimer's diseaseThe most common cause of dementia: a gradual decline in memory, thinking and daily abilities caused by changes in the brain.StrokeWhen blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. It is a medical emergency, and the sooner treatment starts the better.Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)A brief stroke-like attack caused by a short blockage of blood to the brain. Symptoms go away, but it is a warning sign that needs urgent care.