Donate now See menu Shop Support line Search Home About dementia Types of dementia Vascular dementia: what is it, and what causes it? Vascular dementia: what is it, and what causes it? Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia (after Alzheimer's disease), affecting around 150,000 people in the UK. Find out more about vascular dementia and what causes it. You are here: Vascular dementia: what is it, and what causes it? Types of vascular dementia Symptoms of vascular dementia Risk factors for vascular dementia Diagnosis of vascular dementia Treatment and support of vascular dementia Vascular dementia – more resources Vascular dementia Save this information Get a copy What is vascular dementia? 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. These pages outline the causes, types and symptoms of vascular dementia. It looks at how it is diagnosed and the factors that can put someone at risk of developing it. It also describes the treatment and support that are available. Press play to watch a three-minute video about vascular dementia: Causes of vascular dementia Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood supply to the brain due to diseased blood vessels. To be healthy and function properly, brain cells need a constant supply of blood to bring oxygen and nutrients. Blood is delivered to the brain through a network of vessels called the vascular system. If the vascular system within the brain becomes damaged - so that the blood vessels leak or become blocked - then blood cannot reach the brain cells and they will eventually die. This death of brain cells can cause problems with memory, thinking or reasoning. Together these three elements are known as cognition. When these cognitive problems are bad enough to have a significant impact on daily life, this is known as vascular dementia. Dementia and the brain Get more information on how dementia affects the brain. Read more Accessible versions of this information Watch a signed version of our information about vascular dementia, or listen to it in an audio version. Press play to listen: Press play to watch: We need your help People affected by dementia are facing the long-lasting effects of the pandemic. Reduced social contact and suspended support services had a devastating impact. We need your help now more than ever with donations to our Coronavirus Recovery Appeal. Make a monthly donation now Make a single donation now Need help finding dementia information? Find the information and support you're looking for with our free online tool. Get online support Previous Section You are on the first page Next Section 2. Types of vascular dementia Categories Vascular dementia Further reading What kind of information would you like to read? Use the button below to choose between help, advice and real stories. Decide what you see Q&A: Liz Brown, who lives with vascular dementia Real stories Liz Brown, a 75-year-old in Worcestershire with vascular dementia, answers our questions. 30 July 2021 4 ‘I want to raise awareness of dementia and LGBTQ+ issues’ says Chris Maddocks Real stories Chris Maddocks is very active in the dementia community. During Pride Month, Chris talks about the challenges specific to her sexuality, as well as the experiences of other LGBTQ+ people affected by dementia. 25 June 2021 2 Family values: 'Mam's carers have been a surrogate family to her during coronavirus' Real stories Annamaria's mother, Liliana, who has dementia, is cherished by her family. When they made the difficult decision of moving Liliana to a care home, they were relieved to find somewhere that would show her the same love and affection of her own family. 09 June 2021 0 Previous Next Sign up to get twice-monthly e-newsletter updates from Alzheimer’s Society. You can change what you receive at any time and we will never sell your details to third parties. Here’s our Privacy Policy. Useful links Jobs Working for us Contact us Publications and factsheets Training and conferences Blog Legal information Cookies Report a website problem Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube All content © 2021 Alzheimer's Society. Registered office at Alzheimer's Society, 43-44 Crutched Friars, London, EC3N 2AE Alzheimer's Society is a registered Charity No. 296645. Registered as a company limited by guarantee and registered in England No. 2115499 We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use our site, remember your settings and assist our marketing to better support people affected by dementia. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver services to you. Accept All Cookies Manage Cookies