PubMed · 7617213
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
K A Amar, G K Wilcock. 1995. Vascular dementia.. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.45.7.1423-a
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
The past decade has seen a renewed interest in vascular dementia. Key epidemiologic studies have examined the prevalence, incidence, course and risk factors of vascular dementia. New classification systems have been developed to improve the reliability of the diagnosis, and there have been advances in diagnostic methodology, such as neuroimaging and neuropsychological assessment. New treatments for vascular dementia are being developed to protect the brain from cerebral ischemia and to limit progression of cognitive impairment. Diagnostic criteria for vascular dementia remain to be validated by carefully designed, systematic, clinicopathologic study. Once such criteria are validated, meaningful study of subgroups of vascular dementia can be explored. Until the relationship between vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease is better defined, the nosology for vascular dementia may be defined best as dementia associated with stroke.
BACKGROUND: Treatment of vascular dementia depends on accurate diagnosis and criteria for evaluation of therapeutic responses that are not well standardized. METHODS: Diagnostic criteria for vascular dementia, tools for the assessment of its clinical course and current treatment options are sequentially reviewed. RESULTS: Strict diagnostic criteria with high specificity should be selected in clinical trials. Tools for sequential assessment are not standardized. Clinical endpoints of real value for patients and caregivers are usually excluded from analysis. Prevention of recurrent cerebrovascular events is the only known treatment for stabilization and eventually recovery of cognitive and behaviour disturbances. Benefit may be obtained by adapting hospital or home environment and introducing daily routines minimizing stress and fatigue. The use of non-specific cerebral stimulants and so-called neuroprotective drugs is controversial. Careful neuropsychological evaluation guiding management of specific deficits and the use of psychiatric drugs in selected situations may also be useful. CONCLUSION: Strict criteria for the diagnosis of vascular dementia and for the evaluation of treatment responses should be used in drug trials. Aside the secondary prevention of stroke, no drug therapy influencing cognition or neuronal damage has been proved to be useful in patients with vascular dementia.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.