Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
09:17

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia

Published on: November 6, 2017

[Current concepts in vascular dementia]

Sarah Benisty1

  • 1Unité sensori-cognitive, Institution nationale des Invalides, Paris, France. sarah.benisty@invalides.fr

Geriatrie Et Psychologie Neuropsychiatrie Du Vieillissement
|June 28, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Vascular dementias (VD) encompass various subtypes linked to cerebrovascular lesions. Current definitions and overlaps create diagnostic challenges, impacting clinical practice and research for these cognitive impairments.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroscience
  • Gerontology

Context:

  • Vascular dementias (VD) are a significant cause of cognitive decline, stemming from cerebrovascular lesions.
  • Subtypes include multi-infarct, strategic infarct, subcortical ischemic, hemorrhagic, and hypoperfusion dementias.
  • VD is associated with post-stroke dementia, mixed Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, and vascular cognitive impairment.

Purpose:

  • To delineate the diverse subgroups within vascular dementias.
  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges arising from definitional ambiguities and overlaps.
  • To emphasize the need for clear diagnostic criteria in clinical practice and research.

Summary:

  • Vascular dementias (VD) are characterized by cerebrovascular lesions, with several recognized subgroups.
  • Despite efforts to create homogenous subgroups, definitional ambiguities and frequent overlaps hinder their theoretical and clinical utility.
  • The heterogeneity of VD necessitates careful diagnostic approaches, distinguishing cerebrovascular disease from dementia itself.

Impact:

  • Improved characterization of homogenous VD subgroups can enhance diagnostic accuracy.
  • Addressing definitional ambiguities may lead to more consistent clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
  • Clarifying the relationship between cerebrovascular disease and dementia can advance research into effective interventions.

Keywords:
mixed dementiapost-stroke dementiasubcortical ischemic dementiavascular cognitive impairmentvascular dementia

More Related Videos

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

A Visual Approach for Inducing Dolichoectasia in Mice to Model Large Vessel-Mediated Cerebrovascular Dysfunction04:29

A Visual Approach for Inducing Dolichoectasia in Mice to Model Large Vessel-Mediated Cerebrovascular Dysfunction

Published on: May 17, 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...
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...
Overview of the Vascular System01:20

Overview of the Vascular System

The vascular system comprises an extensive network of arteries, capillaries, and veins. The vascular system can be broadly divided into the blood and lymphatic systems. Typically, blood vessels can be categorized into three histological regions: tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia. The tunica intima consists of a single layer of endothelial cells attached to the basal lamina. Underlying the basal lamina is a connective tissue layer and an elastic lamina that gives stability and...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
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.