Age-Dependent Cerebral Microangiopathy Associated with Vascular Risk Factors: How to  Recognize the Signs?

Abstract

The focus of this article is on cerebral microangiopathy (CMA), also known as cerebral small vessel disease, which is commonly linked to age and vascular risk factors. It is a major contributor to both vascular and mixed cognitive decline in older individuals. The leading causes of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia include hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes mellitus, smoking, and atrial fibrillation. The main manifestations of CMA in patients over 60 are outlined in this article, with supporting evidence from both domestic and foreign studies. By examining a specific clinical case, the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive impairment caused by CMA and vascular risk factors in an older patient were analyzed.