Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Increases Dementia Risk in Memory Clinics

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a common form of small vessel disease marked by amyloid-beta deposition in cortical and leptomeningeal artery walls, is increasingly implicated as a driver of vascular cognitive impairment [1, 2]. While known for its association with lobar intracerebral hemorrhage, its role as a frequent comorbidity in Alzheimer disease complicates prognosis [3, 4]. Clinicians often face a diagnostic challenge, as many older adults with vascular lesions on imaging remain asymptomatic for years [5, 6]. However, the presence of markers like white matter hyperintensities has been linked to a nearly twofold increase in dementia risk [7]. A recent longitudinal study from the MEMENTO cohort provides new clarity on the prognostic weight of specific cerebral amyloid angiopathy imaging markers in outpatients presenting with their first cognitive complaints.