F00-F09: Organic, including symptomatic, mental disorders

F01: Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is a general term that describes problems with reasoning, planning, judgment, memory, and other thought processes caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow to the brain. It's often the result of stroke that blocks an artery in the brain, but it can also result from any condition that damages blood vessels and reduces brain function. The symptoms vary based on the part and extent of the brain affected, but they typically include confusion, disorientation, trouble speaking or understanding speech, and difficulty with paying attention. Progression of vascular dementia may be steady or may appear more abrupt depending on the underlying causes. Over time, more areas of the brain become damaged leading to increased disability. It's important to note that while the symptoms can be similar, vascular dementia and Alzheimer's are different conditions.