Release date: 2009-03-17
The human body is not just loose in the bones — it can also be loose in the brain. More specifically, it refers to the white matter of the brain. According to the Department of Neurology at Nanjing General Hospital of the Nanjing Military Region, severe leukoaraiosis can lead to a significant decline in cognitive function, often mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease. In standard brain imaging, the central area usually appears as a bright oval, resembling an irregular egg where the ventricles are located, surrounded by gray matter. However, some people may notice white areas outside this region, sometimes even connecting and forming a ring around the ventricle. To non-experts, this might look like the brain has been "cracked" or "hollowed out." If such patterns appear on an imaging test, it could signal the presence of leukoaraiosis.
Professor Liu Xinfeng, head of the Neurology Department at Nanjing General Hospital, explains that the brain consists of gray matter and white matter. Gray matter contains neurons, while white matter consists of nerve fibers. Together, they form the brain's structure. When problems occur in the white matter, it can have serious implications. "Increasing evidence shows that white matter changes are closely linked to cognitive decline," Liu says.
In a two-year study, researchers examined 74 patients over the age of 55 who showed mild cognitive impairment, such as memory loss lasting more than three months and lower test scores than normal. These individuals did not meet the criteria for dementia. After ruling out other causes of cognitive issues, they underwent brain imaging to check for leukoaraiosis. Out of the 74, 33 were found to have the condition. During follow-up, 9 of the 41 patients without leukoaraiosis developed dementia (22%), while 15 out of the 33 with leukoaraiosis progressed to dementia (45%). This is twice the risk, indicating that leukoaraiosis significantly increases the likelihood of dementia and acts as an independent risk factor for Alzheimer’s.
Leukoaraiosis is primarily associated with poor cerebral blood flow and is closely related to cerebrovascular diseases. Professor Liu notes, "If someone has more than two risk factors — such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, or advanced age — and has had these conditions for several years, brain imaging will almost always show signs of leukoaraiosis."
Because leukoaraiosis can be detected early through imaging, it allows for timely intervention. Liu advises individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of smoking, or older age to consider simple brain scans to understand their condition better. For those at higher risk, the first step is to manage underlying conditions, keeping blood sugar and blood pressure under control, reducing vascular inflammation, and minimizing vascular damage. Under medical supervision, aspirin may help improve blood viscosity and serve as a simple yet effective preventive measure. Additionally, engaging in regular cognitive exercises can slow down the progression of cognitive decline.
By taking these steps, people can reduce their risk and maintain better brain health over time. Meditech Medical Network
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