Incidence of cerebral small vessel disease-related MR markers in the Swedish general population ‘Good Aging in Skåne’(GÅS) study

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is associated to cognitive decline and dementia. Neuroimaging changes of CSVD are highly prevalent above 80 years. Only few studies report on incidence of CSVD in high age. We have investigated the incidence and prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of CSVD and risk factors in the general older population.

As part of the general population Good Aging in Skåne cohort study (GÅS), 241 persons (mean age 76.3 years) underwent two brain MRI, 3-T scanner with a mean interval of 5.9 years. The incidence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunar infarction, cerebral atrophies and cerebral microbleeds (CMB) were calculated and the relationship to risk factors analysed by a multivariate regression analysis. Medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) was graded according to Scheltens’18 scale and CMB were defined as having > 1 small (0.2–0.5 cm) hypointense lesion.

The 6-year incidence of CMB, WMH and MTA were, 19%, 17% and 13% respectively, corresponding to 170/1,000 py., 172/1,000 py., and respectively 167/1,000 py. The incidence of CSVD according to the modified STRIVE score was 33%, 169/1,000 py and the prevalence at baseline was 73%. Moderate to high intake of alcohol was related to increased incidence of MTA and higher STRIVE score. Exposure to smoking was related to higher incidence of CMB and higher STRIVE score, adjusted for other known risk factors.

CSVD is highly prevalent in the general older population and the 6-year incidence of WMH, CMB and MTA ranges from 13 to 19 percent. The modifiable lifestyle factors: smoking, and moderate alcohol intake are related to incident CSVD.