Increased Number of CMBs Is Associated With Increased Dementia Risk

Background: A consensus exists in the neurology community that cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are associated with an increased risk of dementia. Do the location and number of these CMBs make any difference in this increased risk? CMBs in the lobar areas of the brain are associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), whereas subcortical CMBs are associated with hypertension. The presence of cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) is also associated with CAA. Objective: To investigate the association of CMB presence, patterns, and frequency with dementia risk. Participants/Methods: Participants in the ARIC-NCS (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities-Neurocognitive Study) with a 3T MRI at visit 5 without prior intracerebral hemorrhage or dementia were included. Location and number of CMBs and the presence of cSS were evaluated. CBMs were defined as areas of decreased signal in gradient-recalled echo sequences of Results: Of 1583 participants, 361 had at least 1 CMB. Participants with CMB wer more...