Impact of periventricular hyperintensities and cystatin C on different cognitive domains in the population of non-demented elderly Chinese.

•Our research population was from the community of older people over the age of 60, they had no dementia, and never had cerebrovascular disease.•We explored the effects of WMH on the scores of different cognitive domains in different parts.•We discussed the pre-dementia state, to provide ideas for the prevention and treatment of dementia.•Our research was the basis for establishing a cohort study.