Do Cerebral Microbleeds Increase the Risk of Dementia? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

•CMBs are not a disease themselves, but they are an indicator of an underlying small vessel disease, and their direct effect on cognitive function is still unclear.•This article systematically reviewed and analyzed published data on the association between CMBs and the risk of dementia.•Data from 14,221 individuals showed that CMBs doubles the risk of developing dementia in elderly population.•Physicians should educate individuals with CMBs and their families on the possibility of progressing to dementia or cognitive decline.•Regular cognitive assessments, cognitive training, lifestyle modifications, and controlling other dementia risk factors are recommended for individuals with CMBs to decrease the risk of cognitive decline and dementia development.