Neurológia pre prax 2/2012

Vascular dementia and vascular cognitive impairment

Vascular dementia and vascular cognitive impairment include a heterogeneous group of ischemic or hemorrhagic insult (s) of the brain resulting in cognitive impairment. Based on localization and an extent of vascular patology, manifestation can be either subcortical (namely dysexecutive syndrome and decreased psychomotor speed) or cortical (instrumental functions). Vascular etiology is supported by case history, certain neurological findings and results of brain CT or MR imaging. Treatment efforts should be focused on modification of vascular risk factors. Clinical studies showed an effect of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors even in VD.

Keywords: vascular dementia, vascular cognitive impairment, multi-infarct dementia, subcortical ischemic leukoencephalopathy, diagnosis, treatment.