Stage 2. Subtle Whisperings: Very Mild Cognitive Decline
In the second stage of vascular dementia, the symptoms are akin to soft whispers in the wind, easy to miss if one isn’t paying attention. Subtle changes begin to occur, such as occasional forgetfulness or minor struggles with finding the right words. These are like warning signals flickering on the horizon, too distant to be alarming, yet significant enough to be noted.
Such changes often manifest as minor memory lapses. Familiar names or words may slip the mind temporarily, or there might be a momentary struggle with recalling recent events. Though these instances are sporadic and insignificant on their own, they represent the beginning of a cognitive decline.
Moreover, these symptoms can easily be misconstrued as mere signs of aging, or ‘senior moments.’ This is especially true as the cognitive impairment at this stage doesn’t interfere with the person’s ability to carry out everyday activities. Work performance remains unhampered, and social engagements can still be enjoyed without any noticeable difficulty.
However, the dismissal of these symptoms can lead to the overlooking of the early stages of vascular dementia. It’s important to remember that even a subtle cognitive decline could signal the onset of something more significant, like VaD. The realization of this fact can make a vast difference in early detection and management.
The end of the second stage marks the transition from a state of near-normal functioning to one where cognitive decline starts becoming visible. It emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the subtle changes in cognitive abilities, recognizing them for what they are, not just mere consequences of aging. (2)
