A high microbleed count in the brain was associated with an increased risk for cognitive deterioration and dementia, a recent study found. Researchers conducted a prospective population-based study, assessing the presence, number, and location of microbleeds at baseline, from August 2005 to December 2011 on magnetic resonance imaging studies. In total, 3,257 participants (1,758 women [54.7%]; mean age 59.6 [7.8] years) underwent baseline and follow-up cognitive testing. Researchers found:

• Microbleed prevalence was 15.3%.

• The presence of more than 4 microbleeds was associated with cognitive decline.

• Lobar (with or without cerebellar) microbleeds were associated with a decline in executive functions, information processing, and memory function, whereas microbleeds in other brain regions were associated with a decline in information processing and motor speed.

• After a mean follow-up of 4.8 (1.4) years, 72 participants developed dementia, of whom 53 had Alzheimer dementia.

Citation: Akoudad S, Wolters FJ, Visawanathan A, et al. Association of cerebral microbleeds with cognitive decline and dementia. [Published online ahead of print June 6, 2016]. JAMA Neurol. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2016.1017.