Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia in the United States and Europe (15%-20% of cases) and is more common in some parts of Asia. The prevalence of vascular dementia is higher in men than in women.
Patients with vascular dementia have patchy neuropsychological deficits. Patients with vascular dementia have better free recall and fewer recall intrusions than patients with Alzheimer disease. Apathy early in the disease is more suggestive of vascular dementia because it usually occurs in the later stages of Alzheimer disease.
In patients with extensive deep white-matter disease, impairments may be observed in tests of psychomotor speed, dexterity, executive function, and motor aspects of speech (eg, dysarthria, reduced verbal output). Patients with subcortical vascular dementia show reduced ability to set and reach goals with mental slowing and gradual executive dysfunction.
Cerebral angiography is not performed routinely during the evaluation of vascular dementia, but it is sometimes performed before carotid artery surgery. It is also useful in cases of possible cerebral vasculitis; cerebral vessels can demonstrate beading.
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Cite this: Helmi L. Lutsep. Fast Five Quiz: Dementia Key Aspects - Medscape - May 21, 2020.
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