Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
09:17

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia

Published on: November 6, 2017

Vascular dementia prevention: a risk factor analysis

Gustavo C Román1

  • 1Department of Medicine/Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Tex. 78229-3900, USA. romang@uthscsa.edu

Cerebrovascular Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 6, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Controlling vascular risk factors, such as hypertension, may prevent vascular dementia (VaD) and cognitive decline caused by cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Early intervention is key for brain health.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) causes brain injury, leading to cognitive decline and vascular dementia (VaD).
  • CVD can exacerbate other neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
  • Advances in identifying and managing cardiovascular disease risk factors are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the risk factors associated with vascular dementia (VaD).
  • To emphasize the role of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in cognitive decline.
  • To highlight the potential of managing vascular risk factors for dementia prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cerebrovascular disease, vascular dementia, and associated risk factors.
  • Analysis of evidence from controlled clinical trials regarding risk factor management.
  • Identification of established and recently identified risk factors for VaD.

Main Results:

  • Key VaD risk factors include age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and cardiovascular history.
  • Other significant risk factors identified are atrial fibrillation, hyperhomocysteinemia, and sleep apnea.
  • Emerging risk factors include chronic infection and elevated C-reactive protein, especially in diabetics.

Conclusions:

  • Control of vascular risk factors, particularly hypertension, is strongly suggested by clinical trials to prevent dementia.
  • Managing CVD risk factors is essential for preserving cognitive function and preventing VaD.
  • Further research into emerging risk factors may offer new avenues for dementia prevention strategies.

More Related Videos

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Dementia01:30

Dementia

Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...