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Microbleeds in Alzheimer's Disease: A Neuropsychological Overview and Meta-Analysis
Amir A Sepehry1, Alexander Rauscher2, Ging-Yuek Hsiung1
11Faculty of Medicine,Division of Neurology,University of British Columbia,Vancouver,Canada.
Abstract:
The current literature on the role of brain microbleeds (MB) on the neuropsychological outcomes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is heterogeneous. We therefore meta-analytically examined the neuropsychological literature pertaining to MBs in AD. Using a priori selected criteria, studies with cross-sectional neuropsychological assessment on MBs and AD were reviewed. Six of 122 studies met selection criteria and provided neuropsychological data on either AD with MB and without MB, or in contrast to healthy controls. The global neuropsychological difference between AD with MB and AD without MB based on random effect model was nonsignificant, heterogeneous, and small (Effect Size =-0.155; 95% confidence interval =-0.465 to 0.155; p value =0.326; Heterogenity: Q-value =12.744; degrees of freedom =5; p =0.026; I2 =61%). The contribution of MBs to cognitive deficits in AD remains unclear. Future studies of MB in AD should strive to use standardized neuroimaging techniques with high sensitivity for MB, a common standard for MB definition, and neuropsychological tests sensitive for detecting subtle cognitive impairment.
Insights
Brain microbleeds (MB) do not significantly impact neuropsychological outcomes in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Further research requires standardized methods to clarify the role of MBs in AD cognitive deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The relationship between brain microbleeds (MB) and neuropsychological outcomes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not well-defined.
- Existing literature presents heterogeneous findings regarding the impact of MBs on cognitive function in AD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis of existing literature to investigate the neuropsychological effects of MBs in individuals with AD.
- To synthesize current evidence and clarify the contribution of MBs to cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies assessing neuropsychological outcomes in AD patients with and without MBs.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies providing comparative neuropsychological data, with six studies meeting the criteria out of 122 reviewed.
Main Results:
- The meta-analysis revealed a nonsignificant, small, and heterogeneous global neuropsychological difference between AD patients with and without MBs (Effect Size = -0.155, p = 0.326).
- Significant heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I² = 61%, p = 0.026), indicating variability in results.
Conclusions:
- The current evidence does not support a significant contribution of MBs to cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease.
- Future research should employ standardized neuroimaging techniques for MB detection and sensitive neuropsychological tests to better understand the role of MBs in AD.
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