Cognitive decline and treatment options for patients with vascular dementia

Author: Erkinjuntti, T.¹

Source: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Volume 106, Supplement 178, December 2002 , pp. 15-18(4)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

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Abstract:

Erkinjunti T. Cognitive decline and treatment options for patients with vascular dementia.

Acta Neurol Scand 2002: 106 (Suppl. 178): 15-18. © Blackwell Munksgaard 2002.

Cognitive impairment is the primary symptom of vascular dementia (VaD). Animal and human studies indicate that, as with Alzheimer's disease (AD), deficits in cholinergic transmission − including nicotinic receptor binding abnormalities − may be responsible for the development of cognitive impairment associated with VaD. Therefore, studies of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) have been initiated and have shown promising results to date. These agents have demonstrated cognitive and global benefits in patients with VaD. Additionally, functional and behavioral benefits have been reported with the dual-mechanism AChEI galantamine. These studies suggest a potential role for AChEIs in the management of cognitive impairment associated with VaD.

Keywords: acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; galantamine; vascular dementia; cerebrovascular disease; cognition; treatment

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0404.106.s178.4.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Clinical Neurology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

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