Recognizing the signs of dementia can be difficult. Often, patients try to explain away the symptoms or blame them on the process of aging. However, for Kelly Smitty, age wasn’t a factor. She was in her 60s when she received her vascular dementia diagnosis.

In 2018, Smitty received a diagnosis of vascular dementia from a specialist.

The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that can include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. In vascular dementia, these symptoms occur when the brain is damaged because of problems with the supply of blood to the brain.

Is there a link between dementia and heart disease?

Past studies suggest that problems in the vascular system — the heart and blood vessels that supply blood to the brain — can contribute to the development of dementia. Smitty was diagnosed with vascular dementia, which is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.

Vascular dementia is caused by a lack of blood flow to a part of the brain. Blood flow may be decreased or interrupted by blood clots or bleeding because of a ruptured blood vessel. It can also be caused by damage to a blood vessel from other disorders such as:

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Infection
• High blood pressure
• Other causes, such as an autoimmune disorder

Most forms of dementia slowly worsen over time. Living with any type of chronic illness can be difficult for patients and those caring for them. But help is available.

What support is available?

After your loved one receives a diagnosis, you may have questions about the disease and the types of support available for families. At Full Circle Home Care, a highly trained team of compassionate caregivers specializes in dementia support services for clients and their families. Full Circle Home Care dementia home visit service is designed to promote and maintain the physical and cognitive abilities of clients, while also providing education, support, resources, and respite care for families and caretakers. For more information, call (443) 295 – 3017 or visit www.fullcirclehomecaremd.com.