Global Experts Collaborate to Update Diagnostic Criteria for Vascular Dementia

An international team of clinicians and researchers, led by Professor Perminder Sachdev and Dr. Adam Bentvelzen from the Center for Healthy Brain Aging, has announced the development of revised diagnostic criteria for vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). This condition, a common but often underdiagnosed cause of dementia, results from damage to the brain’s blood vessels and can lead to various levels of cognitive decline.

The newly published criteria, available in the journal JAMA Neurology, aim to provide clarity and standardization in diagnosing VCID, which encompasses vascular dementia and milder forms of vascular-related cognitive impairment. This update is part of the VASCOG-2-WSO Criteria, an international consensus developed by experts from over 20 countries and supported by the World Stroke Organization. It builds upon the original VASCOG criteria released in 2014, integrating the latest advances in neuroimaging and biomarker research to aid both clinical practice and research.

Vascular cognitive impairment is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, yet progress in diagnosis has been hindered by the lack of standardized tools. The new criteria introduce practical guidance and incorporate emerging categories such as "preclinical" or "at-risk" VCID, which could allow for early identification and intervention before symptoms manifest.

Prof. Sachdev emphasized that these criteria mark a significant advancement in the field, offering a robust international standard to distinguish vascular contributions to cognitive decline more confidently. Dr. Bentvelzen highlighted the importance of recognizing vascular factors early, noting that widespread yet under-recognized contributions significantly impact diagnosis, research, and treatment.

Developed through a rigorous three-round Delphi consensus process involving leading experts, these criteria align with recent international dementia guidelines. They are expected to be adopted in clinical settings, research trials, and future studies focused on preventing and managing vascular brain injury, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes.

For more details, the full publication can be accessed in JAMA Neurology (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-global-experts-redefine-diagnostic-criteria.html