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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
09:17
Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
Vascular dementia: prevention and treatment
Catherine McVeigh1, Peter Passmore
1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. catmcveigh@hotmail.com
Clinical Interventions in Aging
|December 1, 2007
Summary
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a common condition in the elderly. Cholinesterase inhibitors show promise for improving cognitive function and daily living activities in VaD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common cause of dementia in the elderly, after Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Prevalence increases significantly with age, doubling every 5-10 years past 65.
- Affects 1-4% of individuals aged 65 and older.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of Vascular Dementia (VaD) epidemiology.
- To discuss prevention strategies targeting risk factors.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cholinesterase inhibitors for symptomatic treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological data on VaD prevalence.
- Analysis of risk factors associated with VaD development.
- Review of clinical trial data for cholinesterase inhibitors in VaD.
Main Results:
- Risk factor management, including hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, is crucial for prevention.
- Early trials of symptomatic treatments were largely unsuccessful.
- Recent studies indicate cholinesterase inhibitors improve cognitive function, global status, and daily living activities in VaD patients.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors demonstrate a favorable safety and tolerability profile.
Conclusions:
- Vascular dementia is a prevalent and increasing health concern.
- Vigilant recognition and intervention of risk factors are essential for physicians.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic option for managing VaD symptoms.
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