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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
A meta-analysis of association between cerebral microbleeds and cognitive impairment
Rihan Wu1, Chao Feng2, Yanxin Zhao1
1Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China (mainland).
Background:
The clinical effect of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) on cognition has been receiving much research attention, but results are often inconsistent.
Material/Methods:
We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and some Chinese electronic databases. A total of 15 studies were included.
Results:
Patients with CMBs had higher incidence of cognitive dysfunction (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.66-5.92) and lower scores of cognitive function (SMD was -0.36 [-0.55, -0.18] in the MMSE group and -0.65 [-0.99, -0.32] in the MoCA [Montreal Cognitive Assessment] group). The results also indicated that a higher number of CMB lesions led to more severe cognitive dysfunction (SMD was -2.41 [-5.04, -0.21] in the mild group and -2.75 [-3.50, -2.01] in the severe group). We also found that cognitive performance was significantly impaired when CMBs were located in deep (-0.4 [-0.69, -0.11]), lobar regions (-0.50 [-0.92, -0.09]), basal ganglia (-0.72 [-1.03, -0.41]), and thalamus brain regions (-0.65 [-0.98, -0.32]).
Conclusions:
This meta-analysis showed that CMBs were associated with cognitive dysfunction according to higher number and different locations of CMBs. Future work should focus on long-term prognosis of continuing cognitive decline and specific treatments to reduce the formation of CMBs.
Insights
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are linked to cognitive dysfunction, with more lesions and specific locations worsening impairment. Further research is needed to understand long-term effects and develop treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are increasingly recognized as a factor in cognitive decline.
- Previous research on the clinical impact of CMBs on cognition has yielded inconsistent results.
- Understanding the relationship between CMBs and cognitive function is crucial for neurological health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the association between cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and cognitive dysfunction.
- To quantify the impact of CMB burden and location on cognitive performance.
- To synthesize current evidence on CMBs and cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Chinese electronic databases.
- A meta-analysis was performed on data extracted from 15 selected studies.
- Statistical analysis included calculating odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMD) with confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- Patients with CMBs exhibited a significantly higher incidence of cognitive dysfunction (OR 3.14) and lower cognitive scores (MMSE, MoCA).
- An increased number of CMB lesions correlated with more severe cognitive dysfunction (SMD -2.41 to -2.75).
- Cognitive performance was notably impaired with CMBs in deep, lobar, basal ganglia, and thalamus regions.
Conclusions:
- Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction.
- The number and location of CMBs are critical factors influencing the severity of cognitive impairment.
- Future research should investigate long-term cognitive prognosis and therapeutic strategies to mitigate CMB formation.
