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Cerebral microbleeds and cognition in patients with symptomatic small vessel disease

Bhavini Patel1, Andrew J Lawrence, Ai Wern Chung

  • 1Stroke and Dementia Research Centre, St George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, United Kingdom.

Stroke
|January 17, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

High counts of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are linked to executive dysfunction in symptomatic small vessel disease. This association appears to be a threshold effect, with more than nine CMBs significantly impacting cognitive function.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroimaging
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are prevalent in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD).
  • CMBs may contribute to cognitive impairment through white matter disruption, but findings are inconsistent.
  • The relationship between CMBs and cognition in symptomatic SVD requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between CMB number and location with cognitive impairment in symptomatic SVD.
  • To determine if CMBs are independently associated with cognitive deficits, beyond other SVD markers.
  • To explore potential threshold effects of CMB burden on cognitive function.

Main Methods:

  • 116 patients with lacunar stroke and leukoaraiosis underwent neuropsychological testing.
  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) were assessed using the Brain Observer Microbleed Rating Scale.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was analyzed.

Main Results:

  • CMBs were present in 39.7% of patients.
  • CMB number showed a weak correlation with executive function (r=0.22, P=0.022).
  • A high CMB count (≥9) was significantly associated with poorer executive function, independent of other MRI markers.

Conclusions:

  • CMB number is weakly associated with executive dysfunction in symptomatic SVD.
  • A threshold effect exists, with high CMB counts driving the association with impaired executive function.
  • No significant association was found between CMBs and other cognitive domains like processing speed.

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