A Systematic Review of the Definitions of Vascular Cognitive Impairment, No Dementia in Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND/AIMS: No set operational criteria for vascular cognitive impairment, no dementia (VCI-ND) have yet been established. The aim of this study is to undertake a systematic review to compare definitions of VCI-ND that have been used in cohort studies. METHODS: Medline, PsycINFO and Embase were searched from inception to October 13, 2015. Initially, 3,142 records were screened, and 30 were included in this review. RESULTS: No single set of criteria for defining VCI-ND was identified. VCI-ND was broadly defined as an absence of dementia, cognitive impairment in at least one cognitive domain with signs of vascular involvement, and intact activities of daily living. CONCLUSION: Defining criteria will enable individuals with VCI-ND to be efficiently compared across cohort studies to more accurately determine the prevalence and risk of dementia.