Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
07:30

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

Published on: April 23, 2021

Diagnosis of vascular cognitive impairment and its main categories

P L Rodríguez García1, D Rodríguez García1

  • 1Hospital General Docente Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, Las Tunas, Cuba.

Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain)
|June 29, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Standardizing diagnostic criteria for vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is crucial. This review examines current VCI diagnostic elements, highlighting the need for a unified approach for accurate classification and management.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroscience
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) diagnosis relies on evolving criteria, primarily for research and differentiating from Alzheimer's disease.
  • Current criteria lack precise elements for routine clinical practice in diagnosing dementia and mild cognitive impairment due to vascular causes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current diagnostic criteria for vascular cognitive impairment categories.
  • To analyze nomenclature, diagnostic criteria, and clinical-radiological findings.
  • To identify needs for improved clinical diagnosis and classification of VCI.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of diagnostic elements for VCI categories.
  • Analysis of classification and characteristics of VCI.
  • Examination of clinical and neuroimaging criteria for cerebrovascular lesions and cognitive dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • Available criteria are mainly for research and differentiating vascular dementia from Alzheimer's disease.
  • Precise clinical and neuroimaging criteria are needed for diagnosing dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and identifying cerebrovascular lesions.
  • Key VCI categories reviewed include multi-infarct dementia, strategic single infarct dementia, small vessel disease dementia, mixed dementia, and vascular mild cognitive impairment.

Conclusions:

  • Standardization of nomenclature and diagnostic criteria for the full spectrum of VCI is required.
  • A multidisciplinary expert team approach is necessary for standardization.
  • Improved criteria are essential for accurate diagnosis and management of vascular dementia and its subtypes.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cerebrovascular diseasesDemencia post-ictusDemencia vascularDeterioro cognitivo leveDeterioro cognitivo vascularEnfermedades cerebrovascularesIctusMild cognitive impairmentPost-stroke dementiaStrokeVascular cognitive impairmentVascular dementia

More Related Videos

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia09:17

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia

Published on: November 6, 2017

A Mouse Model for Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Based on Needle-guided Asymmetric Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Stenosis05:12

A Mouse Model for Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Based on Needle-guided Asymmetric Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Stenosis

Published on: November 22, 2024

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...
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'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...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.