Cerebrovascular disease in patients with cognitive impairment: A white paper from the ESO dementia committee – A practical point of view with suggestions for the management of cerebrovascular diseases in memory clinics

Abstract

Purpose: Practical suggestions on clinical decisions about vascular disease management in patients with cognitive impairment are proposed. Methods: The document was produced by the Dementia Committee of the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) based on the evidence from the literature where available and on the clinical experience of the Committee members. This paper was endorsed by the ESO. Findings: Vascular risk factors and cerebrovascular disease are frequent in patients with cognitive impairment. While acute stroke treatment has evolved substantially in last decades, evidence of management of cerebrovascular pathology beyond stroke in patients with cognitive impairment and dementia is quite limited. Additionally, trials to test some daily-life clinical decisions are likely to be complex, difficult to undertake and take many years to provide sufficient evidence to produce recommendations. This document was conceived to provide some suggestions until data from field trials are available. It was conceived for the use of clinicians from memory clinics or involved specifically in cognitive disorders, addressing practical aspects on diagnostic tools, vascular risk management and suggestions on some therapeutic options. Discussion and conclusions: The authors did not aim to do an exhaustive or systematic review or to cover all current evidence. The document approach in a very practical way frequent issues concerning cerebrovascular disease in patients with known cognitive impairment.