Cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive impairment

Vascular cognitive impairment shares a common vascular cause. It represents a heterogeneous group of diverse etiologies the incidence of which increases with age. A relatively high proportion of these cognitive disorders could be prevented or delayed. Although age is the most important risk factor, cardiovascular risk factors and a history of cardiovascular disease are established as risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. The preventive effect of antihypertensive treatment on cognitive decline is now well established but effects of treatment of dyslipidemia on reducing cognitive decline and dementia are inconclusive. Strategies for screening for vascular cognitive impairment are not standardized and long-term studies are needed to establish better prevention of cognitive vascular disorders.