Stroke and Dementia: What’s the Link?

Both dementia and strokes can significantly impact a person’s life, from the physical effects to the strain on emotional well-being. Quite often, people are unfamiliar with the causes and impacts of dementia and strokes until they, or a loved one, are affected by them. While there are numerous online resources explaining the link between stroke and dementia, we understand that this information can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s why Live In Solutions has put together a straightforward guide on how stroke and dementia are connected—and how our compassionate, professional care can help.

The Link between Stroke and Dementia

Vascular dementia is one of the most common types of dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is restricted or stopped, leading to brain cell damage. While some people recover from a stroke with time, others may experience lasting effects on memory and cognitive function. When these symptoms persist or worsen, they can indicate vascular dementia.

Vascular dementia can be caused by:

• A stroke – known as post-stroke dementia or single-infarct dementia.
• A series of mini-strokes – known as multi-infarct dementia.
• The narrowing of small blood vessels deep inside the brain – known as subcortical vascular dementia.

Certain lifestyle factors, such as excessive alcohol consumption, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, increase the risk of stroke. Therefore, making positive changes—such as eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing long-term health conditions—can help reduce the risk of stroke and vascular dementia.

Can Stroke Cause Dementia?

The short answer is yes, a stroke can lead to vascular dementia. However, not everyone who experiences a stroke will develop dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, about 20% of people who have a stroke develop vascular dementia within the following six months.

Common Early Symptoms of Vascular Dementia:

• Difficulty planning, organising, making decisions, and problem-solving.
• Trouble concentrating and slowed thought processing.
• Difficulty following instructions or ordered tasks, such as a recipe.
• Emotional changes such as depression, anxiety, and apathy.

It is important to note that while mood changes can be associated with vascular dementia, they are also common after a stroke. If you notice persistent cognitive difficulties or behavioural changes in a loved one, it is best to consult your GP for further evaluation.

What Happens When Someone with Dementia Has a Stroke?

If someone living with dementia suffers a stroke, the recovery process can be even more challenging. The physical and emotional effects of a stroke—such as pain, stiffness, weakness, depression, and anxiety—may be difficult for them to understand and manage. At Live In Solutions, our specialist carers are trained to provide the support needed to navigate these challenges, ensuring comfort and dignity at every stage of care.

Alongside professional medical support, daily assistance from a trained carer, can make a significant difference in the recovery process. For example:

• Mobility Support: If a stroke has affected a loved one’s mobility, our carers can provide physical assistance to prevent falls, improve movement and ensure safe transfers.
  
• Pain Management: For individuals who struggle to express discomfort, our carers pay close attention to non-verbal signs of pain and ensure the client receives appropriate treatment and support.
  
• Cognitive and Emotional Support: Our carers can explain changes using clear, simple language, helping individuals process their experiences in a way they can understand.
  

How Live In Solutions Can Help

Caring for a loved one with vascular dementia after a stroke can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Live In Solutions provides compassionate, professional live-in care services, ensuring your loved one receives dedicated, one-on-one support in the comfort and safety of their own home.

Our Specialist Care Includes:

• 24/7 Support: A dedicated live-in carer who assists with personal care, mobility, and medical needs.
• Medication Management: Ensuring the correct administration of prescriptions and monitoring for any side effects.
• Personalised Care Plans: Tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, including stroke recovery and dementia care.
• Emotional and Social Support: Providing companionship and encouragement to improve mental well-being.
• Home Adaptation Assistance: Helping to create a safer living environment to prevent accidents and enhance independence.

Find the Right Support for Your Loved One

At Live In Solutions, we believe that no one should have to compromise on their well-being or independence due to illness. Our experienced carers provide specialist dementia and stroke care, enabling your loved one to live safely and comfortably at home.