What type of dementia is associated with atherosclerotic heart disease?

Vascular dementia is the type of dementia that is closely associated with atherosclerotic heart disease. This connection arises because vascular dementia results primarily from reduced blood flow to the brain due to problems in the blood vessels, often stemming from conditions like atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis involves the thickening or hardening of the arteries, which can lead to blockages and reductions in blood supply to various organs, including the brain.

When blood flow to brain areas is compromised, it can result in cognitive impairments and symptoms characteristic of dementia. Vascular dementia typically manifests with sudden changes in cognitive function and can sometimes occur after a stroke or a series of mini-strokes, both of which are often related to cardiovascular conditions like atherosclerosis.

In contrast, other types of dementia listed, such as Alzheimer's disease, are primarily neurodegenerative without a direct link to vascular issues. Parkinson's disease can also lead to cognitive impairment but is primarily a movement disorder. Frontotemporal dementia has a distinct pathological basis and typically affects behavior and personality, rather than being primarily vascular in nature. Therefore, vascular dementia represents the clear connection to atherosclerotic heart disease.