PATH56 MRI correlates of vascular cognitive impairment: contribution of microbleeds, white matter changes and infarcts in a large hospital-based cross-sectional study

Background The mechanisms underlying vascular cognitive impairment remain poorly understood. Brain microbleeds may contribute, particularly to executive dysfunction. We investigated the cognitive effects of microbleeds and other neuroimaging markers for cerebrovascular disease in a large, hospital-based study. Methods Consecutive, unselected patients referred to the stroke unit or clinic underwent clinical assessment, detailed neuropsychological testing and vascular MRI. Microbleeds, white matter changes (WMC) and brain infarcts were identified and their effects on cognition assessed. Results 242 patients were included (N=60 with, N=182 without microbleeds). Executive impairment was more pr…