“Vascular dementia is a form of dementia that’s usually caused by reduced blood flow to the brain,” said Byrom, owner of Peter Byrom Audiology.
“This reduced blood flow can be caused by a plethora of different reasons, such as small strokes, obstructions, or damage to the blood vessels in the brain.”
Byrom explained how a person’s ear health could affect the risk of vascular dementia because of its relationship with cardiovascular health.
“Some research has suggested that there is a correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline,” said Byrom.
He said that this could mean, in some cases, that ear health is an indicator of a person’s risk of the brain-damaging condition.
One theory is that poor ear function causes more cognitive load and stress on the brain.
Signs of vascular dementia:
- Problems with thinking, memory, and cognitive function
- Problems with planning, organising, and decision-making
- Problems with processing information or the senses
“All of these symptoms tend to deal with critical thinking skills and problem-solving adroitness, which are affected by poor circulation to the brain,” said Byrom.
“These symptoms can also have residual effects on the rest of their lifestyles, often resulting in emotional discomfort and mood swings if left unrecognised.”
How to reduce your risk of vascular dementia
Byrom encouraged adopting a few lifestyle habits to improve your cardiovascular health.
It would seem that what is good for the heart will also be good for the brain.
By working out on a regular basis, for example, you can improve blood circulation to the heart and brain.
“Ensure that you’re getting some form of cardio-based exercise each week,” said Byrom.
“And try to avoid eating foods that are high in trans fat.”
Foods high in trans fat:
- Frozen pizza
- French fries
- Doughnuts
- Microwave popcorn
- Onion rings
- Deep-fried foods.
The NHS encourages anybody who suspects they could have dementia to speak to their doctor as soon as possible.
When found in its earliest stages, treatment might be able to slow down the progression of the disease.