Cerebral small vessel disease

Cerebral small vessel disease is a common condition affecting the brain’s small blood vessels, particularly in older adults, though it is not a normal part of ageing and can occur in younger people. It often causes no symptoms and is frequently discovered incidentally on brain scans. Small vessel disease is a major cause of stroke and dementia and can lead to gradual problems with thinking, memory, balance, and walking. Finding it on a scan does not necessarily mean a person has had a stroke. Although it often prompts little follow-up, early recognition offers an opportunity to reduce future risk through managing vascular risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.