Defining the diagnosis of vascular dementia

Appl Neuropsychol. 2004;11(4):204-9. doi: 10.1207/s15324826an1104_5.

Abstract

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a heterogeneous term that has evolved to describe the behavioral syndromes associated with a variety of clinical and neuropathologic changes. As such, the VaD literature lacks a clear consensus regarding the neuropsychological and other constituent characteristics associated with various cerebrovascular changes. We address the issues articulated by Paul and colleagues (Paul, Garrett, & Cohen, 2003), by offering four recommendations to refine the clinical assessment and diagnostic decision-making process of individuals with suspected cerebrovascular changes: (a) Describing the nature of vascular changes may facilitate predictions regarding the neuropsychological profile of subtypes of VaD; (b) employ a process approach to assessment, measuring cognitive constructs in addition to test scores to describe the neuropsychological profiles of types of VaD; (c) integrate direct MRI observations of the brain and other collateral data in the diagnostic process; and (d) consider using "vascular cognitive impairment, no dementia" for suspected prodromal VaD.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Behavior
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Dementia, Vascular / diagnosis*
  • Dementia, Vascular / pathology
  • Dementia, Vascular / psychology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging