Abstract: Cognitive impairment is the most important clinical manifestation of cerebral small vessel disease. The main clinical manifestation of cerebral small vessel disease is the decline of memory and attention, executive function, information processing speed and language fluency, it's a very common neurological disorder. The early symptoms of cerebral small vessel disease are not typical and easy to be diagnosed. The late stage often affects the quality of life of cerebral small vessel disease patients. The article summarizes the pathogenesis of small cerebral vascular disease and the relevant imaging examination methods, it is expected to provide theoretical basis for the research and treatment of cognitive impairment, delaying the progress of cognitive impairment and improving the quality of life of the elderly.

Key words: small cerebral vascular disease, cognitive impairment, pathogenesis, imaging