In simple words: Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by problems with blood supply to the brain. This can happen suddenly after a stroke or gradually due to smaller blockages in blood vessels. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include memory problems, difficulty with thinking and planning, and changes in mood or behavior.

Vascular dementia is a form of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, leading to brain damage and resulting in loss of memory and other cognitive disorders.It includes arteriosclerotic dementia and multi-infarct dementia. The underlying physiological condition or sequelae of cerebrovascular disease should be coded first.

Example 1: A 70-year-old patient with a history of hypertension and diabetes presents with gradual memory loss, difficulty with planning, and changes in mood.MRI reveals evidence of cerebrovascular disease.The primary diagnosis is F01, with the underlying hypertension and diabetes also coded., A 65-year-old patient experiences sudden onset of confusion, difficulty speaking, and weakness on one side of the body after a stroke. Imaging confirms the stroke and subsequent cognitive decline is noted.F01 is used to code the vascular dementia resulting from the stroke., An 80-year-old patient with a history of multiple "silent" strokes exhibits progressive decline in cognitive function, including memory loss and difficulty with executive functions. Neuropsychological testing confirms dementia, and brain imaging reveals widespread vascular changes. The diagnosis is F01.

Documentation should include detailed patient history, neurological examination findings, neuropsychological testing results, and imaging studies (CT, MRI) confirming cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairment.Documentation of underlying conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia should also be included.

** Vascular dementia often coexists with other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease.In such cases, both diagnoses should be coded.