Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is a syndrome of cognitive decline attributed to vascular risk factors and cerebrovascular diseases. A range of pathophysiological processes, including inflammation, oxidative stress, cell death, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and synaptic damage, which are induced by vascular injury, are intricately linked to the development of VCI. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), encoded by the NFE2L2 gene, is a potent transcription factor that plays a critical role in antioxidant defense. Extensive research has demonstrated that Nrf2 mitigates oxidative stress and inflammation by upregulating the expression of antioxidant response elements, thereby reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, Nrf2 modulates programmed cell death, enhances blood-brain barrier integrity, and promotes synaptic plasticity, ultimately delaying the progression of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Therefore,this review examines the role of Nrf2 in VCI and highlights recent research on traditional Chinese medicine targeting Nrf2 for the prevention and treatment of VCI, providing novel insights and approaches for managing this condition.