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Updated: May 20, 2026
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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Microbleeds in vascular dementia: clinical aspects
Wiesje M Van der Flier1, Charlotte Cordonnier
1Alzheimer Center, Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. wm.vdflier@vumc.nl
Experimental Gerontology
|July 25, 2012
Summary
Microbleeds, small lesions on MRI, are common in vascular dementia. Their presence is linked to cognitive decline and may predict disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroradiology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Microbleeds are hypointensities on T2*-weighted MRI, indicative of small vessel disease.
- They are frequently observed in vascular dementia (35-85% prevalence).
- Associated with lacunes and white matter hyperintensities (WMH).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of microbleeds in vascular dementia.
- To investigate the potential causes and implications of microbleeds in cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- Review of MRI findings, specifically gradient echo and T2*-weighted sequences.
- Analysis of microbleed prevalence and association with cognitive function.
Main Results:
- Microbleeds are common in vascular dementia, linked to hypertensive vasculopathy, neurodegeneration, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
- Multiple microbleeds correlate with poorer cognitive performance, especially in psychomotor speed and executive functions.
- Microbleeds may predict dementia development, mortality, and disability.
Conclusions:
- Microbleeds are significant markers in vascular dementia and vascular cognitive impairment.
- Current diagnostic criteria for vascular dementia need revision to include microbleeds.
- Further research is needed on stroke and post-stroke dementia in patients with microbleeds.
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