What defines vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is primarily characterized by cognitive decline resulting from problems in the vascular system, particularly due to reduced blood flow to the brain. This reduced blood flow can be caused by the blockage or narrowing of small blood vessels, which consequently leads to brain tissue damage.

The answer focuses on the underlying physiological changes that lead to the condition. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, which is associated with specific pathological features such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, vascular dementia is specifically tied to cerebrovascular incidents such as strokes or chronic conditions affecting blood circulation.

While memory loss can be a symptom of vascular dementia, it is not exclusive to it and is seen in various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The presence of amyloid plaques is primarily associated with Alzheimer's rather than vascular dementia, and deterioration from Alzheimer's disease refers to a different type of dementia development, distinct from the vascular impairment seen in vascular dementia.