Neuropsychology and Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

VCID encompasses a heterogenous and complex spectrum of disorders that accounts for a sizable proportion of cognitive impairment in older adults. With advancements in acute stroke care and an aging population with high incidence of obesity and diabetes-related conditions, it may be expected that increasingly more patients with history of stroke and/or cerebrovascular disease will require ongoing management and evaluation of vascular-related cognitive difficulties. Neuropsychology can assist with differential diagnosis, early detection, and ongoing monitoring of cognitive impairments in VCID. Integration of neuropsychology findings into treatment planning can also provide useful tools for patients and caregivers to maximize functional capacity and improve quality of life throughout the disease course.