Cognitive and functional status in two subtypes of vascular dementia

In the present study we examined cognitive function, radiographic features, and functional ability in individuals with vascular dementia (VaD). Subjec ts were subdivided into individuals with only white matter involvement (WM) and individuals with evidence of a cortical infarction in addition to whit e matter ischemic change (CS WM). Results revealed that both groups of subj ects were impaired across cognitive functions. Cognitive performance was mo re severely impaired among the C+WM group, but the general pattern of defic its did not differ between the two groups. Hachinski scores were significan tly higher and instrumental activities of daily living were more severely a ffected in the C+WM group compared to the WM group. No significant differen ces were evident between the two groups on overall dementia severity or the extent of white matter involvement. These findings indicate that cognitive function in VaD may be globally impaired, and that cortical infarction in addition to white matter ischemia results in greater impairment, but the di fferences are largely quantitative rather than qualitative.