Memory loss but not Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is not always the reason behind a progressive loss of memory and other mental skills. According to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter, one cause is vascular dementia. Accounting for 10-20% of all dementias, it occurs when small blood vessels in the brain become narrowed or blocked.

Individuals may be at risk if they have certain conditions that affect blood vessels, such as a history of stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Risk also is linked to atherosclerosis--whereby fatty deposits (plaques) occur in the inner lining of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the cause of numerous vascular complications, including heart attack.

While Alzheimer's disease typically develops gradually, vascular dementia is suggested if there is an abrupt onset and stepwise progression--periods of stability that are interrupted with sudden declines. A diagnosis is based on health history, signs and symptoms, and diagnostic imaging tests such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

There is no cure, but medications may slow its progression. Patients also can reduce the risk by controlling high blood pressure and diabetes, not smoking, and lowering cholesterol.

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