Final answer:
Vascular dementia is a type of cognitive impairment caused by atherosclerotic changes in the brain's small vessels. The condition leads to gradual subcortical ischemia and dementia, with slow and progressive symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
A type of vascular cognitive impairment which occurs due to atherosclerotic changes and eventual injury to small vessels in the brain, resulting in gradual subcortical ischemia and dementia. Symptoms are slow and progressive, and so is the cognitive decline.
This condition is known as vascular dementia. It is caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels. The plaque narrows and blocks the blood vessels in the brain, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain cells. Over time, this can cause damage to the brain cells and result in cognitive decline.
Common symptoms of vascular dementia include problems with memory, thinking, and reasoning, difficulty with problem-solving and planning, and changes in mood and behavior. The progression of the disease is gradual and may vary from person to person.