Fact 7. The Stages of Vascular Dementia: A Gradual Descent
Vascular Dementia progresses through several stages, marking a gradual descent into cognitive decline. This trajectory can vary significantly among individuals, influenced by various factors like the subtype of VaD, overall health status, and individual resilience.
The early stage often manifests as mild cognitive impairment, where symptoms may be subtle. Individuals might experience slight memory issues or difficulties with tasks they previously managed with ease. At this stage, these changes may not drastically affect daily life and can often be dismissed as “normal aging”.
As VaD progresses into the middle stage, cognitive impairment becomes more evident. Memory problems worsen, and other cognitive difficulties, such as confusion and poor judgement, may emerge. It’s during this stage that individuals might begin to experience difficulties with daily activities.
In the late stage of VaD, symptoms become severe. Individuals may experience significant memory loss, along with pronounced difficulty in communication, reasoning, and other cognitive functions. Assistance with daily activities becomes necessary at this point, marking a drastic shift in independence.
Despite its gradual nature, the progression of VaD is not always linear. It can be peppered with ‘stepwise’ declines following each cerebrovascular event, reflecting the condition’s complex and multifaceted nature. (7)
