International Psychogeriatrics
Volume 15, Supplement 1 - 2003
Cognitive Syndrome(s) in Preclinical and Clinical Vascular Dementia OVE ALMKVIST
ABSTRACT. It is still a challenge to identify typical features of cognitive function in vascular
dementia (VaD) in clinical as well as in preclinical stages. Selective empirical findings are
described to illuminate degrees of cognitive decline. In predementia stages, speeded performance
(motor and mental) and executive functions may be affected as demonstrated by CADASIL subjects
and stroke survivors. In dementia stages, motor and mental speed as well as executive functions
is commonly affected in addition to typical cognitive dysfunction in dementia (memory, verbal,
and visuospatial). To summarize characteristics during preclinical and clinical stages, VaD
appears to be associated with impairment in motor and mental speed as well as in executive
function.
