Modern concept of vascular cognitive impairment.
BACKGROUND
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) has superseded vascular dementia and multi-infarct dementia as the concept to be used in cognitive decline due to cerebrovascular disease.


METHODS
The literature was reviewed with regard to the concept of VCI and its incidence, pathophysiological substrate, clinical features and management.


RESULTS
A change in the diagnostic paradigm from the current Alzheimer-based definition of vascular dementia to VCI will allow the earlier identification of cases and will identify a different population from that recognized using the current criteria for vascular dementia.


CONCLUSIONS
Case identification at the earliest possible stage affords the greatest opportunity for treatment that may slow the rate of progression.
Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Free & University College Medical School, Hampstead Campus, Rowland Hill St., London NW3 2PF, UK. j.gbowler@ucl.ac.uk
J V
JV
Bowler
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D015140:Dementia, Vascular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors