OBJECTIVE: to analyze the clinical features and associated morbidity in a group of patients with vascular dementia (VD). METHODS: we retrospectively evaluated 25 patients with diagnosis of VD, based on the State of California Alzheimer´s Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centers (ADDTC) criteria. Clinical and neuroimaging data and laboratory test results were obtained for the characterization of the sample. RESULTS: the mean age was 68.7 ± 14.6 years (64.0% men), with mean educational level of 5.2 ± 4.4 years. Sudden onset of symptoms was observed in 48.0% of patients and stepwise deteriorating and fluctuating courses being observed in 4.0% and 16% respectively. Focal neurologic deficits were the first symptom in 48.0%, with focal deficits being observed in 80% on examination. The main morbidity were: hypertension (92.0%); hypercholesterolemia (64.0%); coronary heart disease (40.0%); smoking (40.0%); hypertriglyceridemia (36.0%); diabetis mellitus (32.0%); Chagas' disease (8.0%). CONCLUSIONS: we observed strong association between VD and hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. The observation of two patients presenting Chagas' disease suggests that this endemic condition may be considered a possible regional risk factor.
vascular dementia; cerebrovascular disease; risk factors
