Exploring the Pathogenesis and Prevention / Treatment of Vascular Dementia from the Perspective of “Deficiency-Stagnation and Turbidity-Clouding”

Abstract

Vascular Dementia (VaD) is a syndrome of cognitive impairment caused by cerebrovascular diseases, clinically characterized by progressive decline in multiple cognitive domains such as memory, executive function, attention, and language abilities [1] This article interprets the pathological mechanism of VaD based on the theory of “Deficiency-Stagnation and Turbidity-Clouding”. It posits that the core issue lies in the deficiency of primordial qi and disharmony between qi and blood, leading to abnormal transportation and transformation of qi, blood, and body fluids. This results in the formation of pathogenic turbid factors such as qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm coagulation, and damp obstruction. These turbid pathogens steam upward, cloud the clear orifices (senses and mind), obstruct mental clarity, and ultimately lead to dementia (“Deficiency leading to Stagnation, Turbid Pathogens harming the Clear”). Addressing the pathological state of diminished marrow and brain essence with impaired mental function, treatment should follow the principle of “Tonifying Deficiency and Fortifying the Root, Resolving Turbidity and Unblocking Stagnation”, addressing both the root cause and the symptoms. This study aims to provide new theoretical perspectives and practical ideas for the prevention, treatment, and prognosis of VaD in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).