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Vascular dementia: World Stroke Organization fact sheet 2026.
Yuan Cai1, Vincent Chung Tong Mok1, Hugh S Markus2
1Lau Tat-chuen Research Centre of Brain Degenerative Diseases in Chinese, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Gerald Choa Neuroscience Institute, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Summary
Vascular dementia (VaD) affects millions globally, with cases projected to rise significantly by 2050. This condition, often overlooked, requires urgent attention for better recognition and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dementia affects over 56.9 million people worldwide, projected to reach 137 million by 2050.
- Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second leading cause of dementia globally.
- Existing epidemiological data for VaD are limited, hindering accurate assessment and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the current and future global burden of vascular dementia (VaD).
- To highlight the underrecognized status of VaD compared to other dementia types.
- To emphasize the need for improved recognition, diagnosis, and prevention of VaD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease study.
- Employed population-based studies with autopsy confirmation for estimations.
- Extrapolated current prevalence rates to project future burden.
Main Results:
- Pure VaD accounts for approximately 15% of dementia cases, with mixed dementia comprising an additional 16%.
- An estimated 8.5 million people currently have pure VaD, and 9.1 million have mixed dementia.
- The global burden of total VaD is projected to reach 42.7 million cases by 2050.
Conclusions:
- Vascular dementia is a highly prevalent condition with a significant and growing global burden.
- VaD is underrecognized and underresearched, necessitating improved diagnostic and preventive strategies.
- Cerebrovascular disease significantly contributes to dementia, often coexisting with other neurodegenerative pathologies.
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