The role of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in cognitive impairment remains controversial.
Objective:
To investigate the possible links between the presence, progression, number, and location of CMBs and cognition.
Methods:
We assessed 792 subjects from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative who underwent both brain 3 Tesla MRI scans and cognitive testing. The association between CMBs and cognitive change was explored using linear mixed-effects models (LME).
Results:
Presence and number of CMBs were associated with memory (β= –0.03, p = 0.015; β= –0.01, p = 0.003), executive function (β= –0.04, p = 0.010; β= –0.01, p = 0.014), and global cognitive function (β= –0.06, p = 0.025; β= –0.03, p < 0.001). Progression of CMBs showed significant negative associations with executive function (β= –0.05, p = 0.025) and global cognitive function (β= –0.12, p = 0.015). The relations with cognitive performance (memory, executive function and global cognitive function) were mainly driven by lobar CMBs (β= –0.03, p = 0.041; β= –0.04, p = 0.010; β= –0.07, p = 0.029, respectively), especially those located in temporal lobe (β= –0.08, p = 0.027; β= –0.13, p = 0.001; β= –0.26, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, white matter hyperintensities may mediate the association between CMBs and cognition.
Conclusion:
The presence, progression, number, and location of CMBs, especially those located in temporal lobe, are associated with cognitive decline. These findings suggest CMBs play a role in cognitive impairment.
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