Vascular depression and cognitive dysfunction

Vascular depression is a very frequent and serious complication of cerebrovascular diseases. Vascular factors play an important role in the development of affective disorders. Depression, in turn, also has a negative impact on the course of cardiovascular disease, contributing to its progression, worsens quality of life in patients, reduces functional activity, increases mortality, and increases the risk of stroke. The diagnosis of vascular depression is confirmed by MRI detection of leukoaraiosis; in this case, deep white matter hyperintensities are of importance. The very important features of vascular depression are the presence of CI and an increased risk of dementia.