What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Across your lifespan, there are many ways for blood supply to your brain to be compromised - some are covert. It is estimated that up to 20 percent of people over 80 experience blood vessel damage in the brain. In this episode, we explore vascular dementia and how problems with blood vessels can increase dementia risk over time. Dr. Eric Smith, Professor of Neurology, Radiology and Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary, explains how vascular health affects brain function and what steps can help reduce dementia risk. Christine Aiken shares her lived experience, offering insight into life after a vascular dementia diagnosis and the importance of advocacy, support and finding meaning. Together, they highlight prevention, the warning signs to watch for and recovery after stroke. Christine Aiken Diagnosed with vascular dementia at 56, Christine is an advocate, speaker and author who promotes living well after diagnosis. Based in Canada, she shares her experiences and works to improve access to dementia resources, guided by her motto, “I’m not done yet.” Dr. Eric Smith Professor of Neurology, Radiology, and Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary, and the holder of the endowed Kathy Taylor Chair in Vascular Dementia. He is a member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the Cumming School of Medicine.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related