FD had an evaluation yesterday by a neurologist. After much testing with fairly simple things such as spelling backward a word, drawing a clock showing 2:15, etc. and about one and one half hours during which he answered or did everything just as I probably would have done. I began to wonder if maybe I was the one (not really) The doctor's diagnosis was vascular dementia caused by the several strokes and TIAs FD has had. He recommended increasing the dosage of the galantamine he now takes for memory. It happened to be one of FD's better days our son was with us and he was enjoying talking to someone besides me. I was glad he was feeling so well. After we left he said one thing I forgot to ask was if I could drive the truck and pull the 5th wheel! Glad he didn't ask because I sure wouldn't feel safe if this was to happen. Today is a different story. He may be tired from the trip since we spent so much time in the office and the trip is about 2 hours each way. So my question is for those who may have this diagnosis. Does it progress rapidly, or at all. Is there a documented pace for the dementia or are all cases different (as I expect).

flo39, my DH has vascular dementia also, he had a stroke at 56 and he is now 73. I also see a rapid decline when I look back on the events. He is losing weight by the week, he just doesn't have much of an appetite. The only time he will eat is at lunch and then only if I eat it with him. So by the end of the year, at the rate he is going, he will be 20% weight loss which is the requirement for hospice.

My DH hasVaD. Because of preexisting mental illness symptoms were masked for a long time. Recently came across old notes to his Psychiatrist in Feb 2004, loaded with Dementia issues. Only when problem triggered by extended exposure to a med caused problems and needed replacing, was testing done to determine exactly what they were treating(Aug.-Sept. 2006). The one med change was easy but it took 4 tries to get an acceptably working one for the other psych med. At the time of Dx he was finishing Stage 4 starting 5. Since then we've tried various meds to help with agitation,sundowning and sleep. Many either don't work for him or do the oposite of what's wanted. He is now well into Stage 6 and with is insistence on smoking, he's exhibiting more symptoms and worsening symptoms almost daily. We are waiting on Placement.

flo my DH also suffers Vascular dementia. his was also from years of undiagnosed mini strokes due to stressful job and not taking his blood pressure meds regularly over 40yrs. i think personally VD moves a bit slower than alzheimers alone. and some cognitive skills remain in tact a longer while. others go quicker. everyone has their own general losses i think depends on which areas of the brain are affected during the course of the disease. at any rate the final outcome is the same, just the progression seems a bit different. we are on the 11th year here and stage 7 but still kicking.
divvi