Publisher's Synopsis
According to epidemiological studies, 20%-30% of all dementias in western countries are of the vascular type. Yet despite its prevalence, there is still much to be learned about the pathophysiology and diagnosis of vascular dementia. Authored by renowned investigators in the field, this outstanding publication reviews the different subtypes of vascular dementia together with the NINCDS-ARIEN Workshop criteria for vascular dementia syndromes. The pathogenesis and clinical aspects of these disorders are considered and the use of brain imaging is discussed. The papers presented in this publication underline the need for improved diagnostic methodology as it is now obvious that, contrary to previous belief, thrombo-embolism is not the most common mechanism behind vascular dementia. Cerebrovascular insufficiency, small vessel disorders together with rheological factors may also cause hypoxemic states of brain tissue. Such challenging issues make this publication essential reading for internists, gerontologists, neurologists, psychiatrists and others with an interest in vascular dementia.
