Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Neuroimaging of cognitive impairments in vascular disease
Carol Di Perri1, Turi O Dalaker, Mona K Beyer
1Department of Neurology, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA.
Insights
Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of cognitive impairment and dementia. Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) encompasses cognitive changes linked to vascular issues, often affecting executive function.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is a significant contributor to cognitive decline and dementia.
- CVD often co-occurs with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
- Vascular pathology underlies a spectrum of cognitive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and define vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) as a diagnostic concept.
- To highlight the association between vascular pathology and cognitive changes.
- To describe the characteristic features of VCI.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on CVD and cognition.
- Conceptual framework development for VCI.
- Clinical feature analysis of cognitive changes related to vascular pathology.
Main Results:
- CVD is a primary driver of cognitive impairment and dementia.
- Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) represents a broad range of cognitive deficits.
- Executive dysfunction is a key feature of VCI, often accompanied by noncognitive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is a critical concept for understanding cognitive decline in CVD.
- Recognizing VCI is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the spectrum and impact of VCI.
Abstract:
Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is increasingly recognized as a common cause of cognitive impairment and dementia, alone or in conjunction with other neurodegenerative diseases, primarily Alzheimer's disease. The term vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) has been proposed as an umbrella term to recognize the broad spectrum of cognitive changes associated with vascular pathology, mainly characterized by executive impairment together with particular noncognitive features.
Related Concept Videos
Dementia l: Introduction
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Brain Imaging
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

