Had an mri that showed chronic small vessel ischemic disease -- is this a precursor to dementia?

Precursor for nothin: That's a phrase used by radiologists reading MRI's & doesn't specify any particular process. Is seen as part of the normal aging process as well as part of expected findings in people who have been diagnosed and are being treated for diabetes, high cholesterol, smokers, and those with high blood pressure. Cannot predict dementia by any means.