SummaryCerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a common accompaniment of ageing. Features seen on neuroimaging include recent small subcortical infarcts, lacunes, white matter hyperintensities, perivascular spaces, microbleeds, and brain atrophy. SVD can present as a stroke or cognitive decline, or can have few or no symptoms. SVD frequently coexists with neurodegenerative disease, and can exacerbate cognitive deficits, physical disabilities, and other symptoms of neurodegeneration. Terminology and definitions for imaging the features of SVD vary widely, which is also true for protocols for image acquisition and image analysis. This lack of consistency hampers progress in identifying the contribution of SVD to the pathophysiology and clinical features of common neurodegenerative diseases. We are an international working group from the Centres of Excellence in Neurodegeneration. We completed a structured process to develop definitions and imaging standards for markers and consequences of SVD. We aimed to achieve the following: first, to provide a common advisory about terms and definitions for features visible on MRI; second, to suggest minimum standards for image acquisition and analysis; third, to agree on standards for scientific reporting of changes related to SVD on neuroimaging; and fourth, to review emerging imaging methods for detection and quantification of preclinical manifestations of SVD. Our findings and recommendations apply to research studies, and can be used in the clinical setting to standardise image interpretation, acquisition, and reporting. This Position Paper summarises the main outcomes of this international effort to provide the STandards for ReportIng Vascular changes on nEuroimaging (STRIVE).

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A set of cross-sectional surveys carried out in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, China, and India reveal the prevalence and between-country variation in mild cognitive impairment at a population level.

Background and Purpose-Stroke is implicated in the incidence of dementia, and the risk of poststroke dementia is well characterized, but the excess risk of dementia in those with stroke compared with those without stroke is not well known. Methods-We conducted a systematic review of the excess risk of incident dementia conferred by stroke. Studies of the risk of incident dementia in the population with stroke compared with the population without stroke were identified and compared. Results-Sixteen studies were identified with all but one conducted in a community setting. A history of stroke doubles the risk of incident dementia in the older population. This increase is not explained by demographic or cardiovascular risk factors or by prestroke cognitive decline. The excess risk of incident dementia diminishes with time after stroke and may be higher in those without an APOE ⑀4 allele. There is no excess risk of incident dementia in those aged Ͼ85 years with a history of stroke compared to those aged Ͼ85 years without stroke. Conclusions-The effect of stroke on dementia incidence in the population is not explained by common risk factors. At this time of population aging and increased stroke survival, more research is needed to determine to what extent efforts to reduce the incidence of stroke will affect the incidence of dementia. (Stroke. 2010;41:e41-e46.)

ObjectivesThe aim of the current study was to conduct a systematic review of lay perspectives of successful ageing (SA), synthesise these data using a metaethnographic framework and to provide a snapshot of extant lay perspectives of SA.DesignA systematic review of layperson perspectives of SA was conducted across MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, EMBASE and ISI Web of Knowledge.ParticipantsPeer-reviewed studies conducting qualitative investigations of lay perspectives of SA were included. Included studies were coded and analysed using NVivo V.9 to examine underlying themes of SA.ResultsThe search strategy identified 7285 articles; 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Laypersons identified psychosocial components, notably engagement (eg, social engagement), and personal resources (eg, attitude) as integral components of SA more often than ‘physiological’ components, such as longevity or physical functioning. These results also highlight the profound under-representation of non-Western countries and the cultural homogeneity of research participants.ConclusionsThe current study reveals the importance laypersons place on incorporating psychosocial components into multidimensional models of SA, as well as highlighting the need for increased research with under-represented populations.