1st February 2024

Background

Epidemiology

• Unlike Alzheimer’s dementia, the incidence of vascular dementia is higher in males.
• It is common in people more than 65 years of age.
• It constitutes 20% of dementias

Risk factors

• Age- As age increases, risk increases. People above 65 are at higher risk
• Sex- More in males compared to females
• Ethnicity- South Asian and African-Caribbean
• Physical health problems- Cardiovascular risk factors, Arterial disease, Hypertension, Stroke, Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperlipidaemia, Obesity
• Smoking, excess alcohol intake
• Social isolation
• Physical inactivity
• Head injury