Potential nutritional risk factors of vascular cognitive impairment and vascular dementia: A review

Study Objective: The objective of this review was to elucidate the relationship between VaD and various nutritional risk factors based on findings from current epidemiological studies.

Background: Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common type of dementia. The prevalence of VaD continues to increase as the United States population continues to grow and age. Currently there are 8 unique diagnostic criteria for VaD, and these varying definitions have led to an underestimation of its prevalence and delayed diagnosis in the early pre-dementia stage, vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Nutrition is one of the main modifiable variables that may influence the development of VCI and possible progression to VaD.

Methods: A systematic review of literature was conducted using the PubMed database with search parameters inclusive of vascular dementia, nutrition, and VCI.

Results: Twelve articles were found that proposed a potential role of specific nutritional components in VaD risk. These components included antioxidants, lipids, homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, fish and meat consumption. Several studies cited limitations due to inadequate sample size. Differences in diagnostic criteria and length of study periods lead to variable results and conclusions regarding the relationship between nutritional factors and VaD.

Conclusion: Additional long term prospective cohort studies are warranted to better understand the role of nutrition in VaD disease development and progression. Furthermore, the importance of constructing a correct nosological definition of VaD is crucial for consistency and conformity in future studies and accurate clinical diagnosis of VaD.