Subcortical dementia is the most common type of vascular dementia that affects the subcortex region of the brain, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, a charity in the UK.
Subcortical dementia begins in the subcortex region of the brain, which includes the white matter of the striatum, globus pallidus and the substantia nigra. It is believed a reduction of blood flow, deterioration from age or as a result of a ischemic stroke are it’s main causes.
The white matter consists of very tiny small blood vessels and nerve fibers (axons) that are an extension of nerve cells (neurons). These are covered in myelin that surround the nerve cells and give them their white color. The subcortex of the brain is comprised of neuronal networks essential in communicating to the upper cortical areas of the brain.
Dementia is a broad term used to describe impaired cognition as a result of different biological factors related to aging and structural damage due to inflammation.
Causes
The causes of subcortical dementia are due to the disease of the tiny blood vessels, sometimes called small vessel disease. The walls or linings of these vessels become hardened, thick and stiff which makes it difficult for blood to flow freely to the surrounding areas.
Small vessel disease can negatively impact the white matter of the subcortical region and damage the axons and nerve fibers impairing the ability to communicate to the upper cortical regions of the brain.
According to the National Institute on Aging, ongoing research on how these areas affect the further development of dementia suggest a strong correlation between cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and dementia.
Risk factors that increase the likelihood of dementia include:
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smoking
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high blood pressure
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genetic family history
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chronic alcohol consumption
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advanced age
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unaddressed diabetes
Symptoms
Subcortical dementia is a type of vascular disease which can cause:
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losing items
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sleep pattern changes
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delusions
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getting lost on familiar routes while driving
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difficulty learning new information
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trouble following basic instructions
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difficulty performing daily tasks like mailing letters or following cooking instructions
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difficulty with reading and writing
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poor judgement
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loss of interest in people or activities
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changes in behavior, mood and sometimes personality
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weakness on one side of body
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lack of facial expression
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more frequent falling
The symptoms of subcortical dementia can often present itself more consistently according to the Alzheimer’s Society. Often starts out with a loss of bladder control and body weakness to one side.
Cortical Dementia
Types of dementia are associated with certain areas of the brain and depending on which region is affected determines what symptoms arise. Dementia can affect moods, emotions, cognition and memory.
Cortical dementia is a type of neuro-inflammation condition which relates to the cerebral cortex region of the brain. A person with Alzheimer’s disease is a form of cortical dementia which can affect:
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changes in mood and behavior
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difficulty remembering information, faces and names
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delayed mental processing and confusion
Other types of cortical dementia include:
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Alzheimer’s disease
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Lewy body dementia
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frontotemporal dementia
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Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
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posterior cortical atrophy
Treatment
Vascular dementia which directly affects the subcortical brain regions, do not currently follow any standardized treatment protocols. Most treatment plans are in the form of prevention. But, what doctors may do is to prescribe medication to treat high blood pressure or cholesterol to help slow its progression.
Therapies that could help with subcortical dementia include:
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cognitive behavioral therapy
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occupational therapy
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neurofeedback
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cognitive stimulation therapy
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music and creative arts therapy
Outcomes for subcortical dementia vary with each individual but is a progressive neurological condition which can shorten ones life.
Lifestyle changes should include exercise which will help bring blood supply to the brain and good nutritional support can always be beneficial especially in early stages before it is first diagnosed.
Subcortical dementia is a type of dementia that has genetic and environmental factors which contribute to it’s risk of development. Talking with your doctor, implementation of therapies and medication along with staying mentally and physically active will help preserve a high quality of life.
-A Balance Brain is a Better Brain-