Increase in cerebral microbleeds and cognitive decline

Background: In spite of increasing evidence of the clinical importance of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), the relationship between CMBs and cognitive impairment is still controversial. In addition, there are very limited prior data regarding the prospective association of additional CMBs over time with a decline in cognitive function. This study thus aimed to investigate the effects of newly detected CMBs on cognitive decline in a Japanese health examination cohort. Patients and methods: We performed a prospective cohort study involving 769 Japanese participants (mean age, 61.6 years) with a mean follow-up of 7.3 ± 3.5 years. CMBs were classified according to their locations. Cognitive functions were evaluated using Okabe’s Intelligence Scale, Koh’s block design test, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between the newly detected CMBs and cognitive decline. Results: Fifty-six (7.3%) participants (16 had new strictly lobar cerebral microbleeds and 40 had new deep or infratentorial cerebral microbleeds) developed new CMBs during the follow-up period. In multivariable analysis, newly detected strictly lobar CMBs were associated with a greater decline in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in the categories achieved (β: − 0.862 [95% CI: − 1.325, − 0.399]; P < 0.0001), greater increase in perseverative errors of Nelson (β: 0.603 [95% CI: 0.023, 1.183]; P = 0.04), and greater increase in the difficulty with maintaining set (β: 1.321 [95% CI: 0.801, 1.842]; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Strictly lobar CMBs over time were associated with a decline in executive function.