Brain iron deposition and cognitive decline in cerebral small vessel disease patients: A quantitative susceptibility mapping study

Motivation: Brain iron deposition and analysis of risk factors in cerebral small vessel disease patients with different total cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) scoresGoal(s): Our study compares brain iron deposition in gray matter (GM) nuclei between CSVD patients and healthy controls (HCs), exploring factors that affect iron deposition and cognitive function. Approach: Brain iron load was assessed using quantitative susceptibility mapping. Results: Age, diabetes, and smoking may increase iron deposition in the basal ganglia, associated with cognitive decline. The mean susceptibility values of the neostriatum played a mediating role in the association between hypertension and cognitive scores. Impact: Age, diabetes and smoking history could exacerbate local brain iron deposition. The iron deposition in the neostriatum plays a mediating role in the association between hypertension and executive function.