My Father Recently And Very Rapidly Developed Dementia, Presumably Vascular

Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : My father recently and very rapidly developed dementia, presumably vascular dementia, as it followed a couple TIAs. He's 76 and Im 56. I am wondering what the chances are of my developing dementia. No one else on his side of the family has it nor on my mothers. I had high cholesterol but it has been under control since I was 40, same with my blood pressure. Also what can I do to lower my risk if I am a candidate.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vascular dementia is not inheritable.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
I don't think that vascular dementia is hereditary and you are not at risk of inheriting it from your father.
Certain conditions such high blood pressure, diabetes, atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation , smoking can contribute to the damage and narrowing of the blood vessels causing the blockage of them (TIA).
So you can also keep blood sugar under control, blood pressure in normal range, colesterol levels controlled, quit smoking and maintain a healthy body weight.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D