Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain , which damages and eventually kills brain cells.

Main causes

  • A stroke that cuts off blood supply to part of the brain.
  • Multiple mini-strokes or TIAs that create repeated small areas of damage.
  • Small vessel disease or narrowing of the tiny blood vessels deep in the brain.

Risk factors

Common conditions that raise the risk include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and physical inactivity.

Mixed dementia

Some people also have Alzheimer’s-related brain changes at the same time, which is called mixed dementia.

Quick takeaway

The core problem is blood vessel damage that deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, often after strokes or long-term vascular disease.