DIAGNOSIS OF VASCULAR DEMENTIA - CONSORTIUM OF CANADIAN-CENTERS-FOR-CLINICAL-COGNITIVE-RESEARCH CONSENSUS STATEMENT

Interest in vascular causes for cognitive impairment is increasing, in recognition that such causes are common, and possibly preventable. Th is has led to attempts to better define vascular dementia and its natu ral history. Several sets of criteria for the diagnosis of vascular de mentia have been proposed. We provide a brief overview of the backgrou nd to the initiation of a Canadian consensus conference, established b y the Consortium of Canadian Centres for Clinical Cognitive Research ( C5R) and report the conclusions reached at that conference. To date, n o one set of criteria is demonstrably superior to another; we have the refore not endorsed any of the competing sets, nor have we recommended our own. Instead we suggest that empiric studies are required to esta blish valid criteria. A diagnostic checklist, which combines existing criteria and additional data, is attached for clinicians wishing to pa rticipate in such studies.