Protocol · Brain & Cognitive Health
Vascular Cognitive Impairment & Vascular Dementia Support Protocol
Ginkgo Biloba and Citicoline (CDP-Choline) are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Vascular Cognitive Impairment & Vascular Dementia Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · 1 graded
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Ginkgo Biloba | Amount listed: 240 mg EGb 761 standardized extract daily | Improves cerebral blood flow and has neuroprotective effects; studied specifically for vascular cognitive impairment
| Grade C for Cerebral Blood Flow1 study · 80 people | ||
| Citicoline (CDP-Choline) | Amount listed: 1,000–2,000 mg daily | Supports brain cell membranes and neurotransmitter function; studied for vascular cognitive disorders | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA) | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily (high DHA formulation) | DHA is major structural component of brain; anti-inflammatory and vascular protective effects | Not graded yet | ||
| B Vitamins (Folate, B12, B6) | Amount listed: Folic acid 800 mcg, B12 500–1,000 mcg, B6 25 mg daily | Lower homocysteine levels which contribute to vascular damage and cognitive decline | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (target 40–60 ng/mL) | Deficiency strongly associated with cognitive decline and cerebrovascular disease | Not graded yet | ||
| Phosphatidylserine | Amount listed: 100–300 mg daily | Brain cell membrane component that supports cognitive function | Not graded yet | ||
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine | Amount listed: 1,500–3,000 mg daily in divided doses | Supports brain energy metabolism and has neuroprotective properties | Not graded yet | ||
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 200–300 mg daily | Supports mitochondrial energy production in brain cells | Not graded yet | ||
| Resveratrol | Amount listed: 150–500 mg daily | Antioxidant with cerebrovascular protective effects; may improve cerebral blood flow | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Vascular Cognitive Impairment & Vascular Dementia. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade C
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) refers to cognitive decline caused by problems with blood supply to the brain. It ranges from mild impairment to vascular dementia, the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. It results from strokes (including "silent" strokes), small vessel disease, or chronic reduced blood flow. Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and heart disease. Executive function (planning, organizing), processing speed, and attention are typically affected more than memory early on.
CRITICAL: VCI requires medical management of vascular risk factors - blood pressure control, diabetes management, cholesterol treatment, smoking cessation, and sometimes blood thinners. See a neurologist for proper evaluation. If you experience sudden confusion, weakness, or speech problems, this may be a stroke - seek emergency care. These supplements support brain health but don't replace medical treatment.
Ginkgo Biloba* (EGb 761) has the most evidence for vascular cognitive impairment. It improves blood flow to the brain, has antioxidant effects, and may protect brain cells. Multiple meta-analyses support its use.
Citicoline* supports brain cell membrane integrity and helps produce neurotransmitters. Studies show benefit for cognitive function after strokes and in vascular cognitive disorders.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* (especially DHA) are essential for brain structure and function. They have anti-inflammatory effects and support healthy blood vessels.
B Vitamins* (folate, B12, B6) lower homocysteine, an amino acid that damages blood vessels. High homocysteine is a risk factor for both strokes and dementia. B vitamin treatment slows brain atrophy in people with elevated homocysteine.
Vitamin D* deficiency is strongly linked to cognitive decline and stroke risk. Maintaining adequate levels supports brain health.
Phosphatidylserine* is a natural component of brain cell membranes that may support cognitive function.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine* supports brain energy metabolism and has neuroprotective effects.
CoQ10* supports energy production in brain cells.
Resveratrol* may improve cerebral blood flow and has antioxidant effects.
Expected timeline: Ginkgo and citicoline: improvements may be seen in 4-12 weeks. B vitamins: effects on brain atrophy seen over months to years. These supplements provide ongoing support; cognitive decline from vascular disease may stabilize or slow with proper treatment.