Fact 11: The Effects of Cerebrovascular Disease on Mental Health
Cerebrovascular disease doesn’t just influence physical wellbeing; it plays a significant role in mental health too. It’s essential to examine how this condition affects mental health, alongside its physical impact, for a holistic understanding.
Depression is commonly observed in people who’ve experienced a stroke, a serious manifestation of cerebrovascular disease. In fact, post-stroke depression is considered one of the most frequent neuropsychiatric consequences of stroke. It can intensify feelings of despair and negatively affect the patient’s recovery and quality of life.
Anxiety is another mental health condition that’s often seen in stroke survivors. It is associated with heightened feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease about the future. Like depression, anxiety can significantly affect the recovery process and impact the individual’s overall well-being.
Cerebrovascular disease can also lead to cognitive impairments, including problems with memory, attention, and thinking skills. For instance, vascular dementia, a decline in cognitive function due to reduced blood flow to the brain, can occur after a stroke. It is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. (11)
