Pathophysiology of vascular dementia

The concept of Vascular Dementia (VaD) has been recognized for over a century, but despite this, much confusion and debate remain regarding its definition and diagnostic criteria. Conventional definitions identify the patients too late, miss subjects with cognitive impairment short of dementia, and emphasize consequences rather than causes, the true bases for treatment and prevention.

We should discard current diagnostic categories and describe cognitive impairment clinically and according to commonly agreed instruments that document the demographic data in a standardized manner and make a systematic effort to identify the underlying etiology in each case (imaging and DNA should be obtained whenever possible). Increased effort should be targeted towards the concept of and criteria for Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Post-Stroke Dementia as well as for genetic factors involved, especially as these categories hold promise for early prevention and treatment.

Author: Francesco IemoloGiovanni DuroClaudia RizzoLaura CastigliaVladimir HachinskiCalogero Caruso
Credits/Source: Immunity &Ageing 2009, 6:13

Published on: 2009-11-06

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