Korean J Biol Psychiatry.  2016 Aug;23(3):80-88. 10.0000/kjbp.2016.23.3.80.

Vascular Dementia

• Kim TW
• Kwak KP

• KMID: 2351423
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/kjbp.2016.23.3.80

Abstract

Vascular dementia is a very frequent form of dementia. Debates over classification and diagnostic criteria, and controversy over identifiable treatment targets will continue until distinct pathophysiological mechanism of vascular dementia is found. Clinical diagnostic criteria are sufficiently strong to be useful for clinical trials, but need further refinement. Cognitive changes in vascular dementia are more variable than other disorders, and are dependent on the vascular pathology. Accurate diagnosis of vascular dementia is known to need the presence of reliable cerebrovascular disease on brain imaging. Although it seems obvious that cerebrovascular disease causes pathological damage and impaired cognition, it is very difficult to find the accurate contribution of cerebrovascular pathology to cognitive decline. Most studies have shown a small but significant benefit of cholinesterase inhibitors on cognition, the significance of this effect has been slight and benefits on global functioning, activities of daily living, and behaviour have not been consistently reported. Management of vascular dementia should focus on identifying and managing vascular risk factors.

Keyword

Vascular dementia; Vascular cognitive impairment; Cognitive dysfunction; Dementia; Treatment; Cerebrovascular disease

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Cerebrovascular Disorders
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Classification
Cognition
Dementia
Dementia, Vascular*
Diagnosis
Neuroimaging
Pathology
Risk Factors
Cholinesterase Inhibitors