The cerebral lymphatic system, a unique network associated with the central nervous system, clears accumulated metabolic waste and maintains internal homeostasis of the brain. Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is the leading cause of vascular cognitive impairment. Increasing evidence suggests that the cerebral lymphatic system plays a complex and important role in CSVD-related cognitive impairment. This paper reviews the functions, driving factors and imaging evaluation methods of the cerebral lymphatic system, and discusses the relationship between the cerebral lymphatic system and CSVD-related cognitive impairment, hoping to provide reference for future research and clinical intervention.