It sounds like your dad has been on a really difficult journey, and so have you. To answer your question — no, a diagnosis of vascular dementia does not rule out Alzheimer's. In fact, having both at the same time (called mixed dementia) is quite common.
Doctors use several tools to tell them apart, including:
- MRI or CT Show Full Answer
It sounds like your dad has been on a really difficult journey, and so have you. To answer your question — no, a diagnosis of vascular dementia does not rule out Alzheimer's. In fact, having both at the same time (called mixed dementia) is quite common.
Doctors use several tools to tell them apart, including:
- MRI or CT scans – to look for stroke damage and blood vessel changes
- PET scans – to check for Alzheimer's-related protein buildup
- Blood tests – to detect Alzheimer's biomarkers
- Cognitive and neurological exams – to assess memory, balance, and reflexes Since your dad can't take medications to slow progression, managing vascular dementia focuses on protecting the brain from further damage. This can include:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Staying physically active where possible
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
These steps may help reduce the risk of more strokes and support overall brain health. Always check with his doctor before making any changes. As for what researchers are working on — scientists are making real progress. Current research is focused on:
- Earlier detection using blood tests that can spot Alzheimer's-related changes before symptoms worsen
- New drug treatments aimed at slowing or stopping the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain
- Better understanding of how vascular damage and Alzheimer's interact, especially in mixed dementia cases
While there's no cure yet, the science is moving forward. Many myALZteam members share hope that breakthroughs are getting closer. 💙
May 18
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