Diagnosis
Vascular dementia
Diagnosing dementia is important. It’s just as important to understand the specific type of dementia, as this can help someone get the right treatment and support.
If you are worried about your dementia symptoms, or someone else’s, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
In this section:
Diagnosing dementia is important. It’s just as important to understand the specific type of dementia, as this can help someone get the right treatment and support.
If you are worried about your dementia symptoms, or someone else’s, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Go to section:
How is vascular dementia diagnosed?
When you go to the GP with memory and thinking concerns, the GP may:
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Ask about your symptoms and how they are affecting you.
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Ask a relative or close friend if they have noticed any changes.
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Check your medical history.
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Give you a physical check-up, checking your blood pressure and balance.
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Run a blood test to rule out some other possible causes. These include conditions like vitamin deficiencies and thyroid disorders that can be treated if caught early.
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Ask you for a urine sample.
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Ask you to do some memory and thinking tests.
You may need to request a longer GP appointment to allow enough time for these checks.
If possible, it is helpful if you can bring someone who knows you well to the appointment.
A clinical psychologist went through various tests with me over a period of three months. She asked me fairly early on ‘if you were to get a diagnosis of dementia, do you want to know?’ I thought ‘absolutely I’ve got to know what I’m dealing with’. When she actually told me I felt like I’d been punched in the stomach. At the same time, though, I was relieved, as I knew something was wrong with me and now I could put a name to it.
Sue, who lives with vascular dementia
Further tests for vascular dementia
If your doctor suspects dementia, you may be referred to a memory clinic or another specialist doctor.
A memory clinic or specialist doctor may:
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Do another physical check-up and some more memory and thinking tests.
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Send you for other tests like a brain scan to look for any changes in blood vessels or signs of a stroke/s.
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Suggest some further blood tests, or in some cases a test of spinal fluid (called a “lumbar puncture”, “spinal tap” or “CSF test”).
The results of all of these tests will help the doctor to find out what’s causing the symptoms.
However, it can be difficult to know the exact cause of vascular dementia. Researchers are working hard to look for more accurate ways of diagnosing conditions that can lead to vascular dementia.
I’m pleased I had an earlier diagnosis. I can put things in place and make choices now rather than later on relying on my loved to make those choices for me. For example, when my dementia has progressed, I don’t want my children to have to take me in and look after me – I want to go into a home. So, it’s good that my family know my wishes.
Olive, who lives with vascular dementia
Downloads
Dementia information
The information in this booklet is for anyone who wants to know more about vascular dementia, including people living with vascular dementia, their carers, families and friends.
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PDF, 753 KB, 15 pages
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This information was updated in December 2025 and is due to be reviewed in December 2027. It was written by Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Information Services team with input from lay and expert reviewers. Please get in touch if you’d like a version with references or in a different format.
This information is produced with support from The Perfume Shop who had no input into the content.
