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Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia: a narrative review

Amado Jiménez-Ruiz1, Victor Aguilar-Fuentes1, Naomi Nazareth Becerra-Aguiar1

  • 1Stroke & Cerebrovascular Disease Clinic, Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde, Neurology Department, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

Dementia & Neuropsychologia
|September 25, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is a common cause of cognitive decline, driven by vascular damage. Preventing stroke through risk factor management is key to reducing VCI incidence.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Gerontology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is the second leading cause of cognitive decline, following Alzheimer's disease.
  • VCI encompasses a range of cognitive deficits resulting from diverse vascular pathologies affecting the brain.
  • Pathophysiological mechanisms include direct vascular injury, small vessel disease, inflammaging, atrophy, and neurotransmission alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of the spectrum of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI).
  • To discuss the epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria for VCI.
  • To outline current treatment and preventive strategies for VCI.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on vascular cognitive impairment.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and pathophysiological mechanisms.
  • Synthesis of information on risk factors, treatment, and prevention.

Main Results:

  • VCI is linked to various vascular pathologies like infarcts, microbleeds, and white matter changes.
  • Inflammaging and small vessel disease are significant contributors to VCI.
  • Effective management of cerebrovascular risk factors is crucial for stroke prevention and VCI reduction.

Conclusions:

  • VCI presents a significant public health challenge due to its prevalence and impact on quality of life.
  • Understanding the multifaceted pathophysiology of VCI is essential for developing targeted interventions.
  • Preventive strategies focusing on cerebrovascular health are paramount for mitigating the burden of VCI.

Keywords:
Cerebrovascular DiseasesCognition DisordersDementiaStrokeVascular Dementia

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