Final answer:
Patients with vascular neurocognitive disorder typically experience a gradual decline in cognitive function and may have a history of atherosclerotic disease or prior strokes. Neurological exams can reveal these deficits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients with vascular neurocognitive disorder often experience a gradual decline in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making. This contrasts with conditions like a stroke, where neurological deficits such as the inability to feel or control certain body parts, or disrupted language function, can have an abrupt onset. These disorders are frequently associated with a history of atherosclerotic disease or prior strokes, which can be identified during a neurological exam. The comprehensive evaluation includes various subtests that can reveal deficits in mental status, motor function, and coordination.