ICD-10 Code F01.53 – Vascular dementia, unspecified severity, with mood disturbance (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F01.53 – Vascular dementia, unspecified severity, with mood disturbance
What it is
This code identifies vascular dementia when the severity is not specified and mood disturbance is documented. Use it for dementia attributed to cerebrovascular disease, with associated emotional or mood changes.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include cognitive decline linked to vascular injury, such as impaired memory, judgment, or executive function. Mood disturbance may be documented as depression, apathy, irritability, or similar affective change; clinical features vary, refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use F01.53 when the provider documents vascular dementia and also notes a mood disturbance, but does not specify mild, moderate, or severe stage. It is appropriate when the record clearly links the dementia diagnosis to vascular disease and the mood change is part of the documented picture.
If the note only says dementia with no vascular cause, or mood symptoms without dementia, this code is not appropriate. Check documentation for the exact dementia type and whether the mood disturbance is clinically associated.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for Alzheimer disease, unspecified dementia, or delirium. Do not assign it if the record does not support vascular dementia or if mood disturbance is not documented.
Coding tip
Verify both elements: vascular dementia and mood disturbance; if either is missing, check documentation before coding.