Treatments

Vascular dementia

In this section:

Unfortunately, there are currently no treatments that can slow or reverse vascular dementia.

However, a doctor may prescribe or monitor medicines used to treat underlying conditions that can damage blood vessels.

Go to section:

What treatments are available for people with vascular dementia?

When someone is diagnosed with vascular dementia, their doctor will test for underlying causes that can affect brain health and prescribe medications. These include:

A doctor will also advise making healthy lifestyle changes to help limit the damage caused by these underlying conditions.

There are also drug and non-drug therapies that can help with some of the symptoms of vascular dementia.

Non-drug therapies

For memory and thinking problems

For anxiety, agitation and aggression

Some people with vascular dementia may become more anxious, agitated or aggressive.

To help manage these symptoms, a health professional may look for causes or triggers of agitation or aggression. Removing or changing these triggers can help to reduce these symptoms.

Complementary therapies may help with anxiety, agitation or aggression. These should match the person’s preferences and support their wellbeing. Examples include aromatherapy, music therapy and spending time outdoors.

You can contact support services for information about what’s suitable and available near you.

Anyone considering these activities should check with their GP beforehand.

Drug treatments

For memory and thinking problems

For anxiety, agitation and aggression

If someone experiences severe and distressing symptoms that can’t be controlled without medication, then antipsychotic drugs may be considered.

These drugs help correct the imbalance of chemicals in the brain that cause symptoms like aggression.

However, there are severe side effects, and they are not suitable for everyone. Anyone taking antipsychotics should be carefully and regularly monitored by the doctor.

Diagnosing vascular dementia

Support and help

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.

What is vascular dementia?

PDF, 753 KB, 15 pages

Read more about treatments for dementia, including information on treating depression, anxiety and agitation and for information on antipsychotics.

Treatments for dementia

PDF, 5.82 MB, 15 pages

RS1316_Alex_Wallace_Photography_ARUK_Rebrand_Des and Valli_April 2023 (65)

Order health information

Alzheimer's Research UK has a wide range of information about dementia. Order booklets or download them from our online form.

Place an order

RS1319_Alex_Wallace_Photography_ARUK_Rebrand_Des-and-Valli_April-2023-66-scaled-2

Complete the survey

Was this information helpful?
Let us know what you think by filling out this short survey.

Complete the survey

Information on this page does not replace any advice that doctors, pharmacists or nurses may give you.

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.