Vascular Dementia Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Vascular Dementia

The symptoms of vascular dementia depend on the location and amount of brain tissue involved. Vascular dementia symptoms may appear suddenly after a stroke, or gradually over time. Symptoms may get worse after another stroke, a heart attack, or major surgery. These are signs and symptoms of vascular dementia:

• Increased difficulty in carrying out normal daily activities because of problems with concentration, communication, or inability to carry out instructions
• Memory problems, although short-term memory may not be affected
• Executive dysfunction: planning, organizing and multi-tasking problems
• Stroke symptoms, such as sudden weakness and difficulty with speech
• Personality changes
• Mood changes, such as depression or irritability
• Stride changes when walking too fast, shuffling steps
• Problems with movement and/or balance
• Urinary problems, such as urgency or incontinence
• Tremors