Management of cognitive impairment of vascular origin

Abstract

A postal questionnaire concerning the management of cognitive impairment of vascular origin was completed by 88 psychogeriatricians and 100 geriatricians. Aspirin was considered an important part of management, and clinically Indicated with: a history, or clinical signs of stroke; computerised tomography (CT) scan changes suggestive of cerebrovascular disease; and atrial fibrillation. Advanced dementia was seen as contraindication for treatment. Eighty per cent of responders indicated they would institute antihypertensive therapy in an elderly patient with a history of raised blood pressure and cognitive impairment. The median lower limit of systolic blood pressure requiring treatment was 160 mmHg, with a treatment target blood pressure of 150 mmHg.