Vascular cognitive impairment: prevention and early treatment

Author: Huang Li'an, Chief Physician of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University

Reviewer: Zhao Haiyan, deputy chief physician, Peking University Third Hospital

With the development of society, changes in people's dietary structure and the "Westernization" of their living habits have become increasingly obvious. The number of people with "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood lipids (hyperlipidemia) and high blood sugar (diabetes) has increased significantly, and overweight and obesity are becoming more common. These are common risk factors for stroke. With the increase in the incidence of stroke, the incidence of vascular cognitive impairment (also known as "vascular dementia") has also increased. For vascular cognitive impairment, prevention, early identification and early treatment are crucial to improving patient prognosis.

1. The concept of vascular cognitive impairment

Vascular cognitive impairment is a syndrome of overall brain intellectual decline caused by cerebrovascular disease and its risk factors or problems with the brain's blood supply (such as cerebral ischemia, hypoxia, and cerebral hemorrhage).

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2. Prevention of Vascular Cognitive Impairment

Vascular cognitive impairment is the only type of cognitive impairment that can be prevented and treated. Its mild symptoms include headaches, dizziness, insomnia, tinnitus, and fatigue. Patients also experience memory loss, and as the disease progresses, they have difficulty in daily life and work. Vascular cognitive impairment also affects the patient's mood. The patient is prone to excitement and sadness, and often loses his temper or cries over trivial matters. As the disease progresses, the patient's memory becomes worse and worse, and it is difficult to recall past events.

Prevention is the key to vascular cognitive impairment. Doing the following will help avoid the onset of the disease.

1. The diet should be low in fat, salt and sugar, and the intake of foods with high cholesterol content should be limited. It is advisable to eat more vegetables and fruits.

2. Develop good living habits, maintain a regular schedule, and ensure adequate sleep.

3. Strengthen physical exercise and participate in more cultural and entertainment activities.

4. Patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes should pay special attention to changes in blood pressure, blood lipids and blood sugar to prevent overweight and obesity.

5. Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.

6. Study more, use your brain more, strengthen memory training, and cultivate interests and hobbies.

7. Maintain an optimistic attitude, actively participate in social activities, and maintain good interpersonal and family relationships.

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Treatment of vascular cognitive impairment

Early detection of vascular cognitive impairment can allow effective measures to be taken before patients develop intellectual problems, thereby preventing the progression and deterioration of the disease.

1. Drug treatment: Currently, the treatment drugs for vascular cognitive impairment mainly focus on improving brain cell metabolism, brain blood circulation and drugs acting on neurotransmitters.

2. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment: mainly Chinese medicine and acupuncture therapy. It can delay and alleviate vascular cognitive impairment, improve the quality of life of patients, and reduce the burden on families and society.

3. Cognitive rehabilitation training: Cognitive rehabilitation training is an important part of the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment. Through professional training programs, such as memory training, attention training, thinking training, etc., it can help patients improve their cognitive function and improve their quality of life.

4. Psychological support and social participation: Patients with vascular cognitive impairment often have emotional problems and social adaptation disorders. Therefore, psychological support and social participation are also crucial for the patient's recovery. Family members and society should give patients enough care and support, encourage them to participate in social activities, and maintain a positive and optimistic attitude.

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Vascular cognitive impairment is a preventable and treatable disease. Through active preventive measures and timely treatment intervention, its occurrence and development can be effectively delayed, brain health can be protected, and quality of life can be improved.