Vascular Dementia Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of VaD depend on the location and amount of brain tissue involved. VaD symptoms may appear suddenly after a stroke, or gradually over time. Symptoms may get worse after another stroke, a heart attack, or major surgery. These are signs and symptoms of VaD:
- Increased difficulty in carrying out normal daily activities because of problems with concentration, communication, or inability to carry out instructions
- Memory problems, although short-term memory may not be affected
- Confusion, which may increase at night (known as "sundown syndrome")
- Stroke symptoms, such as sudden weakness and difficulty with speech
- Personality changes
- Mood changes, such as depression or irritability
- Stride changes when walking too fast, shuffling steps
- Problems with movement and/or balance
- Urinary problems, such as urgency or incontinence
- Tremors