| Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), as a common disease among the elderly and those after stroke, is closely related to vascular risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. As the disease progresses, it may eventually develop into vascular dementia (VD). Early intervention and treatment are necessary. Currently, the treatment of this disease mainly relies on cholinesterase inhibitors and other methods, but their efficacy is limited and they have many side effects. Therefore, it is urgent to explore targeted treatment methods for VCI. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the onset of this disease is attributed to the deficiency of kidney essence and the obstruction of phlegm and blood stasis. A large number of clinical studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine can effectively improve the cognitive function of VCI patients, with definite efficacy and good safety. This article reviews the clinical evidence and experimental studies of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of VCI, including single Chinese herbs, Chinese compound prescriptions, Chinese patent medicines, acupuncture and other external treatments. It is found that traditional Chinese medicine can tonify kidney essence, activate blood circulation, remove phlegm and regulate meridians, and improve the patient's cognitive function through mechanisms such as improving mitochondrial structure and function, reducing neuroinflammation, and antioxidative stress. This aims to provide practical references for the treatment of VCI with traditional Chinese medicine. |