CJO - Abstract - Epidemiology of Cerebrovascular Disease Related Cognitive Decline

Cambridge Journals Online

Cambridge Journals Online
International Psychogeriatrics (2003), 15 : 105-110 Cambridge University Press
Copyright © 2003 International Psychogeriatric Association
doi:10.1017/S1041610203009049 (About doi)
Published online by Cambridge University Press 10 Jan 2005
International Psychogeriatrics (2003), 15:105-110 Cambridge University Press
Copyright © 2003 International Psychogeriatric Association
doi:10.1017/S1041610203009049
IPA Expert Consensus Conference “Vascular Burden of the Brain: New Therapeutic Directions”
EPIDEMIOLOGY

Epidemiology of Cerebrovascular Disease Related Cognitive Decline


Chengxuan Qiu a1 and Laura Fratiglioni a1
a1 Aging Research Center, Division of Geriatric Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Occupational Therapy and Elderly Care Research (NEUROTEC), Karolinska Institute and the Stockholm Gerontology Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden

Article author query
qiu c   [PubMed] [Google Scholar
fratiglioni l   [PubMed] [Google Scholar

Abstract

Cognitive decline is a central component of the dementia process. Population-based prospective studies have confirmed the existence of age-related cognitive decline, although its conceptual basis and nosological status remain controversial. Healthy old people show decline with aging in global cognition and memory function in particular. Preclinical and clinical dementia patients exhibit deficits across multiple cognitive domains, with the largest and most consistent deficits in memory function. Cerebrovascluar disease may lead to cognitive decline and promote the clinical expression of dementia directly or by interaction with APOE η4. Early treatment and prevention of cerebrovascular disease may be the major measures for preventing and postponing the progression of the vascular disease related cognitive decline.


Key Words: Aging; cognitive decline; vascular cognitive impairment; dementia; cerebrovascular disease; epidemiology.


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