Vascular Cognitive Impairment: Preventable Dementia » (First Edition)

Royal Free and University College Medical School London

University of Western Ontario

In recent years there has been a radical reapprisal of the concept of vascular dementia. There has been a move away from an Alzheimer-based diagnostic paradigm towards one more appropriately tailored for vascular disease. Vascular Cognitive Impairment presents a new definition for this class of cerebrovascular, neurodegenerative process with an emphasis on early detection, prompt treatment and the prevention of disease progression.
Vascular Cognitive Impairment: A Preventable Senility presents an overview of the current state of our knowledge in this field. It reviews the historical background, prevalence, risk factors and economic consequences of the condition. In addition, the book summarises our knowledge of the pathological process, describing insight derived from genetic and imaging studies, before examining opportunities for early diagnosis, prevention and the options for management, both now, and as a result of ongoing clinical trials. With contributions from an expert team of international contributors, this book provides a comprehensive summary of the state-of-the-art in this field, providing a framework for a new understanding of a complex and debilitating condition.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Paula M Cotruta, M.D.(University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description:This book is an excellent review of one of the few preventable causes of dementia: vascular cognitive impairment. It is very well structured, addressing all aspects of this condition in detail, from diagnostic criteria to histopathology, genetics, anatomical imaging, and clinical trials and treatment.
Purpose:The purpose is to characterize vascular cognitive impairment as a possible preventable condition if detected early. Given the fact that cerebrovascular disease is an important factor contributing to cognitive impairment, this book is definitely needed. The author's objective is excellently fulfilled. The book covers in detail all aspects of vascular cognitive impairment.
Audience:It is written mainly for specialists, meaning general neurologists, primary care physicians interested in geriatrics, neuropsychologists, or researchers. The author is a credible authority in this subject. The list of contributors is impressive and include well known, international specialists.
Features:The book covers in detail all aspects of vascular cognitive impairment from history and current criteria to physiopathology, imaging, and treatment. I was particularly impressed with the review of current diagnostic criteria including limitations and inter-rater reliability. The chapter on anatomical imaging is extremely valuable for the clinical practitioner, as it draws correlations between the type and amount of radiological abnormalities and the impact on cognition. The book has numerous tables and the information is well organized and presented in a easy to read manner. Because it is so detailed, the book is suitable for specialists who want to expand their knowledge about this specific condition but it is less so for beginners (students, residents).
Assessment:This is an excellent review of vascular dementia. It is difficult to compare it with the classical neurology textbooks that addresses dementias in general.