Just after Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia is known to be the second-most dementia disease in the entire global population. It occurs as a result of impaired blood flow to the different brain areas, leading to strokes. Prolonged deprivation of oxygen supply in specific brain areas can lead to vascular dementia as well.

The diagnosis of dementia become suddenly apparent when major strokes close the large blood vessels and inhibit the blood vessels to supply adequate oxygen in the brain areas. This situation is also referred to as post-stroke dementia.

It may also possible that number of small strokes obstruct the small vessels. These types of strokes do not produce any major symptoms. This is why in these types of cases the problem is left unnoticed at the initial stages. But over the time, their combined effect produces symptoms that become evident. This type of vascular dementia is known as multi-infarct dementia.

The symptoms of vascular dementia may vary depending on the underlying causes of the problem and the affected brain area. It may be possible that the impairment may develop in different stages or all of a sudden.

When the problem develops all of a sudden, usually prevalent after the incidence of major strokes, the symptoms appear instantly instead of slow progression, common characteristics for Alzheimer's disease.

Since there is a strong correlation between the incidence of vascular dementia and obstruction in the blood vessels, it is important to maintain a healthy body system. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and weight management is mandatory. Healthy diet and regular exercising should be a vital part of life.

There are few drugs that are found to be effective in helping individuals with vascular dementia where the progress is slower and almost similar to Alzheimer's. Once developed, there is no approved medication yet that can combat solely with the symptoms of vascular dementia.