Fact 8: Coexisting Medical Conditions and VaD
Coexisting medical conditions, particularly those relating to cardiovascular health, significantly impact the progression and life expectancy of individuals with VaD. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol can accelerate the progression of VaD, thereby affecting life expectancy.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can damage the blood vessels in the brain, leading to a reduced blood supply. Over time, this can cause vascular damage leading to VaD. Proper management of hypertension, through medication and lifestyle modifications, is essential in slowing the progression of VaD and extending life expectancy.
Similarly, diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol all contribute to the risk and progression of VaD. High blood sugar levels, characteristic of diabetes, can damage blood vessels over time, including those in the brain.
Heart disease can lead to decreased blood flow to the brain, while high cholesterol can contribute to atherosclerosis, which limits blood flow. All of these conditions, if not adequately managed, can accelerate the progression of VaD and reduce life expectancy.(8)
