Cerebral microbleeds are associated with deficits in cognitive processing speed and executive functions in middle-aged adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors' conclusion
CMBs were related to a subtle, yet systematic impairment in cognition, whereas mild WMHs were not. The results provide insight into the development of early cSVD-related cognitive changes already in midlife and suggest an increased risk of cognitive decline in T1D.
Study context
- Population
- Middle-aged adults with T1D without any neurological symptoms; age 46.4±7.7 years
- Participants
- 167 adults
- Exposure
- Higher burden of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) vs absence of CMBs
- Outcome
- Cognition by CMB burden
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Higher CMB burden (≥3) vs no CMBs: poorer processing speed, independent of age (standardized β 0.18 to 0.23, p<0.05)
- Higher CMB burden (≥3) vs no CMBs: poorer executive functions, independent of age (standardized β 0.18 to −0.25, p<0.05)
- Higher CMB burden not associated with episodic memory
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Mild white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and cognition
- Mild WMHs had no independent relationships with cognition
Mixed CMB location vs other topographies and cognition
- Mixed CMB location more often negatively related to cognition (standardized β 0.20 to 0.32, p<0.05)
Original publication
Cerebral microbleeds are associated with deficits in cognitive processing speed and executive functions in middle-aged adults with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. Published 2 January 2026. doi:10.
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