title: Management of dementia with a cerebrovascular component.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) has been reconceptualized as an important factor in cognitive decline and dementia. The concept of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) has been introduced to capture the whole spectrum of cognitive decline associated with CVD, and to emphasize the possibility of early intervention on vascular risk factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intervention studies in prevention and symptomatic therapy of dementia associated with CVD are reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We present recommendations based on the review of current literature. There is some evidence that treating hypertension can prevent cognitive decline. Galantamine has shown some benefit in the symptomatic treatment of possible Alzheimer's disease with CVD and donepezil has shown some benefits in vascular dementia. Other pharmacologic interventions lack sufficient empirical support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A more pro-active stance towards cognitive decline of vascular etiology is warranted, with some evidence supporting both prevention and symptomatic therapy.
authors: Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada. christian.bocti@umontreal.ca
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Bocti
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: Black
authors: Chris
authors: C
authors: Frank