1st February 2024

Management

There is no specific treatment as such. These treatment options can reduce the progress of vascular dementia. A biopsychosocial approach is taken, like the management of other dementias. 

Bio

• Mainstay is managing medical illnesses such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes Mellitus and heart conditions
• Anti-dementia medications are not as effective as in Alzheimer’s dementia
  • Anti-dementia medications can be considered only if there is associated Alzheimer’s dementia, Parkinson’s Disease dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies
  • Consider antipsychotics for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, weighing the pros and cons of antipsychotics and physical health.

Psycho

• Apart from the ones mentioned in Alzheimer’s dementia, CBT for anxiety and depression.

Social

• Apart from the ones mentioned in Alzheimer’s dementia, patients should be educated on a healthy lifestyle: smoking cessation, reducing alcohol excess, increasing exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. 
• Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy input
• Speech and Language therapy
• Carer support, Respite care