Find in Library

Introduction: Several sets of diagnostic criteria have been published for vascular dementia (VaD) since the 1960s. The last 15 years have seen a re-evaluation of the criteria and proposals for new sets of criteria. Methods: A narrative review of the diagnosis of vascular dementia was performed and the development and performance of various sets of criteria examined. Results: Cognitive disorders of vascular aetiology are a heterogeneous group of disorders with diverse pathologies and clinical manifestations, discussed broadly under the rubric of vascular dementia (VaD), vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), vascular cognitive disorders (VCD) or vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). The most used criteria in the 1990s were the NINDS-AIREN and ADDTC criteria. The DSM-5 criteria were published in 2013, followed by the VASCOG criteria in 2014 [1], and VICCCS criteria in 2018. A comparison of the criteria suggested good correspondence between the recent criteria (DSM-5, VASCOG and VICCCS) but not with the older criteria (table 1) [2]. However, several challenges remain in relation to the heterogeneity of the disorder and the lack of established biomarkers. Recent developments in neuropsychology and neuroimaging of vascular cognitive disorders warrant a re-examination of the criteria to improve consistency in diagnosis to aid both clinical practice and research. Discussion: Criteria for vascular disorders have achieved a certain level of consistency but need continuing examination with advances in the field. While neuroimaging biomarkers have improved greatly, fluid and retinal biomarkers need further development.