Cerebral Small Vessel Disease - Its Risk Factors and Effect of Risk Factor Management on Cognition

Background and Purpose: White matter lesions in the brain are linked to small vessel disease and have been connected to cognitive decline. Our goal was to examine how various risk factors, potential effect modifiers, and the progression of these lesions are related and to study risk factor modification on the cognition. Methods: 50 patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were evaluated for risk factors and their baseline cognition was assessed with Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE) score, the risk factor modification was initiated and followed up at 3 months with repeat Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination score, the relationship between lesion load, age, sex and cognitive function was assessed using multivariate regression analysis. Results: Severe white matter hyperintensities (WMH) were more prevalent in older age group, Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking are independently associated with WMH. Fazekas grade and ACE scores were inversely related and there was no significant change in cognitive scores after 3 months of risk factor modification and follow up. Conclusion: Higher age, cigarette smoking, HTN, DM were independently associated with cerebral small vessel disease and there was no significant cognitive change after risk factor modification on follow up at 3 months.