When Blood Flows Right, the Mind Stays Bright

“Eh, why did I come into this room again?”

Sounds familiar, right? We all have those moments. But when forgetfulness becomes more frequent, and someone starts getting confused, moody, or just not as mentally sharp as they used to be, it might be more than just aging. Not many people realise that there’s a type of dementia linked to poor blood flow in the brain. It’s called vascular dementia.

Vascular dementia is actually the second most common form of dementia, right after Alzheimer’s. It happens when blood vessels in the brain are damaged, often after a stroke, mini-strokes, or due to long-term issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.1 When blood can’t flow properly, the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients, which causes brain cells to weaken and die over time. That’s when memory and thinking skills start to decline.2

This condition tends to affect older adults, especially those with a history of stroke or long-term health problems. You might notice someone becoming forgetful, easily distracted, or slower to respond. Some might seem more irritable or withdrawn, and over time, they may struggle with things that used to be simple, like following conversations or keeping track of daily tasks. The signs can come on slowly, or suddenly after a stroke.3

The good news is, there’s a lot you can do to lower the risk. Keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar under control, staying active, eating well, and quitting smoking all play a big role. What’s good for your heart is good for your brain, because healthy blood flow means better brain function.

And for those looking for extra support, especially in later years, Appeton Essentials Memotab is for you. It contains 40mg of standardized Ginkgo Biloba Extract (GBE), a well-known natural ingredient that helps improve blood flow and circulation.4 Good circulation ensures your brain gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs to stay alert and focused. , Appeton Essentials Memotab is a practical, everyday supplement that supports mental clarity and healthy aging especially for older adults who want to stay sharp and active.

Learn more: Appeton Essentials Memotab

References:

  1. Sahathevan R, Brodtmann A, Donnan GA. Dementia, Stroke, and Vascular Risk Factors; a Review. International Journal of Stroke. 2011;7(1):61-73. doi:10.1111/j.1747-4949.2011.00731.x
  2. Venkat P, Chopp M, Chen J. Models and mechanisms of vascular dementia. Exp Neurol. 2015 Oct;272:97-108. doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.05.006. Epub 2015 May 15. PMID: 25987538; PMCID: PMC4631710.
  3. Cloak N, Schoo C, Al Khalili Y. Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia. [Updated 2024 Feb 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551552/
  4. Silva H, Martins FG. Cardiovascular Activity of Ginkgo biloba-An Insight from Healthy Subjects. Biology (Basel). 2022 Dec 21;12(1):15. doi: 10.3390/biology12010015. PMID: 36671707; PMCID: PMC9855530.