At the moment there are no treatments that cure vascular dementia, but there are treatments to help with many of the symptoms.

The information on this page can be accessed in the following formats:

On this page

Are there treatments for vascular dementia? 
Treating the signs of vascular dementia
Can some medications cause dementia symptoms? 
Do dementia medications work for vascular dementia? 
Slowing down the progression of vascular dementia    

Are there treatments for vascular dementia?

Although there is no proven treatment for vascular dementia, it may be possible to prevent mild problems developing into dementia. Vascular dementia can cause problems like depression, anxiety and falls. The stroke or dementia team can work with you to find ways around many of these problems. You might have medication for anxiety, or  therapy such occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and psychological therapies to help you live with dementia. 

Treating the signs of vascular dementia

Vascular dementia can cause problems like depression, anxiety and falls. The stroke or dementia team can work with you to find ways around many of these problems. You might have medication for anxiety, or physiotherapy to reduce falls.

Medication

Sometimes medication may be used to improve your mood if you are feeling very down or depressed. Medication can also help with some of the problems seen in advanced vascular dementia. However, there are risks in taking these drugs, so it’s important that you talk through all the advantages and disadvantages with your family and doctor before you decide to try them.

Rehabilitation therapy

Memory and stroke services often have a team of experts that can help with various dementia problems. 

1. If your dementia is causing physical problems, such as falls, then you may be able to work with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
2. A speech and language therapist may be able to help you with any communication problems that you’re having. 
3. An occupational therapist will also be able to work with you to make sure that you can be as independent as possible, particularly in your home environment. 

Other forms of therapy and support for wellbeing

You should be offered some support to stay independent and develop your memory and concentration. Some therapies, including cognitive stimulation therapy, cognitive rehabilitation and occupational therapy, can help people with mild to moderate dementia. Some people find group reminiscence work helpful.

Can some medications cause dementia symptoms?

Long-term use of some types of medication can cause problems with memory and thinking. They can slow down some of the chemical signals in your brain, so if you have any cognitive problems it can sometimes make these worse. 
 
The impact on brain chemicals is known as an ‘anticholinergic effect’. Several types of medication have an anticholinergic effect. They include some types of strong antihistamines, anti-depressants and muscle relaxants. They are used in treatments for conditions like depression, allergies, insomnia, and bladder and bowel problems.

The effect of each medication varies between individuals, and also depends on how long you use them. Your GP or pharmacist can help you understand the pros and cons of any treatment you need. 
Don’t stop taking any medication without speaking to your GP. 

Do dementia medications work for vascular dementia?

Cholinesterase inhibitors, also known as AChE inhibitors, are drugs that are used to help with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.These medications have been tried in vascular dementia, but they do not work as well as they do in Alzheimer’s disease. They also have side effects. Sometimes doctors will try using these medications in vascular dementia, especially if they think a patient has a mix of vascular and Alzheimer’s disease.

Memantine is a dementia drug that is only recommended for people with Alzheimer’s. 

Slowing down the progression of vascular dementia

Although there is no proven treatment for vascular dementia, it may be possible to prevent mild problems developing into dementia. Treatments may also slow down how quickly dementia progresses. 

Doctors will work with you to try to reduce your risk of having further strokes, and lower the rate of damage due to small vessel disease. Some activities you may try include:

  • Treating high blood pressure.
  • Taking medications for high cholesterol.
  • Taking blood-thinning medication to stop clots forming in your blood.
  • Stopping smoking.
  • Losing weight if you need to.
  • Stay active, and eat healthy food.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to get individual advice about how you can reduce your risk of stroke.

You can read more about treating medical conditions linked to stroke. You can also read about how healthy lifestyle changes can help you

Find out more

What is vascular dementia?
Living with vascular dementia   
Supporting someone with vascular dementia