Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia in old age: cognition and beyond

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is a prevalent condition in the aging population.
• VCID arises from altered vascular perfusion or function, including strokes, hemorrhages, and small vessel disease.
• Cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, and atrial fibrillation accelerate VCID development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of VCID, focusing on modifiable risk factors and their impact on cognitive and motor functions.
• To highlight recent advancements in preventative risk factor management for VCID.
• To explore combined cognitive-motor interventions for maintaining cognitive and functional abilities in individuals with VCID.

Main Methods:

• Review of selected studies on VCID published in Age and Ageing.
• Analysis of the impact of modifiable risk factors on cognitive and motor symptoms.
• Examination of current preventative strategies and emerging interventions for VCID.

Main Results:

• VCID symptoms vary based on affected brain regions and blood flow disruption.
• Early signs include slowed thinking, executive dysfunction, concentration difficulties, confusion, and mood/behavioral changes.
• Motor function disturbances (gait, balance) are recognized as early VCID features, potentially worsening with multi-domain impairment.

Conclusions:

• Currently, no cure exists for VCID; clinical focus is on timely prevention, supportive care, and management.
• Modifiable risk factors significantly impact motor and cognitive symptoms in VCID.
• Combined cognitive-motor interventions show promise for preserving cognitive and functional abilities.