Objective To establish a vascular dementia model in rats. Methods To establish a vascular dementia model by repeatedly clipping the common carotid artery and bloodletting from the rat tail, and to evaluate the model by testing the animal behavior and measurement of the acetylcholine content in hippocampus of the rats. Results The created rat vascular dementia model showed significant alteration in leaning and memory function, and obvious decreased content of acetylcholine in hippocampal tissues. Conclusion A rat model of vascular dementia has been successfully established. This rat model is useful for vascular dementia research and can be used in experimental studies, drug screening and evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness.