Atherosclerosis
The hardening and narrowing of the arteries is known as atherosclerosis. The main cause of this is high cholesterol levels, particularly bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). This condition also goes by the name atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or arteriosclerosis. It usually is responsible for cardiovascular disease, including stokes, heart attacks, and peripheral vascular disease. Since the blood flow to the brain is also reduced, atherosclerosis can lead to vascular dementia.
Hardened carotid arteries are the most risky. The carotid artery is found within the neck on both sides of the windpipe. Intracranial atherosclerosis also significantly increases the chances of dementia. One can extrapolate that any time blood is cut off from the brain, you risk both getting a stroke and also developing vascular dementia. Be sure to keep your brain and body healthy.
