Traditional Chinese medicine constitution types and cognitive function in patients with vascular cognitive impairment no dementia (VCIND)

Background Imbalances in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution types may contribute to disease onset. Currently, comprehensive research on the distribution of TCM constitution types in VCIND (Vascular Cognitive Impairment No Dementia) is lacking. This cross-sectional study aims to explore the correlations between TCM constitution types and cognition in VCIND patients. Methods From February 2024 to February 2025, 163 hospitalized patients diagnosed with VCIND were recruited. They completed the TCM Constitution Questionnaire, which classifies body constitution based on physical structure, physiological function, psychological traits, and response patterns. Cognitive domain scores from the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were collected, including visuospatial/executive function, naming, attention/calculation, language, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation. Results All participants had biased constitutions. The main types included Phlegm-dampness constitution: 42 cases (25.77%), Qi-deficiency constitution: 36 cases (22.09%), Blood-stasis constitution: 29 cases (17.79%), and Damp-heat constitution: 24 cases (14.72%). MoCA scores varied across constitution types. Patients with Qi-deficiency and Yang-deficiency had lower scores, while those with Yin-deficiency had higher scores. There were also differences in smoking history and MoCA scores among different constitution types. Conclusions Different TCM constitution types were associated with varying cognitive performance. Further understanding the underlying mechanisms of these differences may aid in TCM constitution types identification and help prevent cognitive decline.