North Carolina Neurological Foundation (NCNF)

Major Neurocognitive Disorder Due To Vascular Disease

Major neurocognitive disorder due to vascular disease arises from cerebrovascular pathology leading to cognitive impairment, commonly following strokes or chronic ischemic changes. Etiologies include hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and other vascular risk factors. Patients typically present with executive dysfunction, slowed processing, memory impairment, and focal neurological deficits corresponding to areas of cerebrovascular damage. Diagnosis involves neuroimaging, clinical history, and neuropsychological assessment, differentiating from Alzheimer disease or other neurodegenerative disorders. Management focuses on secondary stroke prevention, control of vascular risk factors, cognitive rehabilitation, and supportive care to maintain independence.