Vascular cognitive impairment

Abstract

Dementia represents a significant public health issue, as it is a leading cause of disability and the requirement of personal care assistance, particularly in the elderly. The second most common etiological factor contributing to dementia is a cerebrovascular disease, as it is the cause of vascular cognitive impairment and vascular dementia. We can recognize the full spectrum of cognition, from vascular mild cognitive impairment to vascular dementia. There are two forms of vascular cognitive impairment: post-stroke and non-stroke related. The diagnosis of probable vascular cognitive impairment requires confirmation of cognitive impairment, cerebrovascular disease, and a clear relationship between the two conditions. A combination of history, examination, and neuroimaging are fundamental for the assessment of the presence of cerebrovascular disease. The role of neuroimaging is particularly important in the diagnosis of vascular cognitive impairment, to confirm the presence, location, and severity of the cerebrovascular disease. Treatment of vascular cognitive impairment should be aimed at treating vascular risk factors and lifestyle modification.