What Are The Major Types Of Dementia?

Vascular Dementia

The second most common form of dementia in the general population is referred to as vascular dementia. For the brain cells to function and be healthy, they require a consistent supply of oxygen and nutrients from the blood. The vascular system is a network of blood vessels that supplies the brain tissues with blood. When the blood vessels in the vascular system become obstructed or damaged, blood is unable to get to the cells in the brain. Without a consistent blood supply, the cells in the brain begin to die. When an individual experiences an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, they can develop a form of vascular dementia known as post-stroke dementia. When an individual is affected by a series of smaller strokes rather than a single severe stroke, they can develop forms of vascular dementia called single-infarct and multi-infarct dementia. When the smallest blood vessels in the brain become twisted and stiff to the degree that they restrict blood flow, it is referred to as small vessel disease. Individuals affected by small vessel disease in their brain may develop the most common type of vascular dementia: subcortical dementia.

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